Why are Injury Symptoms Delayed?

When you’re involved in a car wreck, your body produces large amounts of adrenaline. The burst of adrenaline can mask symptoms of car accident injuries, so you might feel fine right after the accident even though you’re injured. As the adrenaline wears off, symptoms will begin to appear. You might notice signs of an injury within hours, or it could take weeks. If you experience any of these delayed symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.

Headaches

It’s common to experience headaches after a car accident. While headaches can be benign, they can also point to more serious problems, such as head or neck injuries or blood clots. A traumatic brain injury is also possible when you’re in a car accident. Instead of waiting for a headache to go away, visit an auto accident doctor to make sure you don’t have a severe injury.

Back Pain

Your back is in the line of fire during an auto accident. You might notice back pain, tingling, or numbness in the hours or days following a car crash. These symptoms could indicate a soft tissue injury, herniated disc, whiplash, or even a spinal injury. Get checked out before the injury symptoms get so severe you’re unable to perform your normal daily activities, or even as walk, in more severe cases.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Heads and necks absorb lots of trauma during auto accidents. Some people notice head and neck pain as soon as the accident occurs, but others don’t experience or notice any pain for several days. Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness could be a sign of whiplash or a spinal injury. You need to get an MRI or an X-ray to determine the cause of neck or shoulder pain.

Numbness

Whiplash isn’t always painful. It can also make your arms and hands feel numb due to nerve damage. Your doctor can diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan to restore the feeling in your hands and arms.

Abdominal Pain

Internal bleeding is always a concern after an auto accident. If you notice abdominal pain, deep bruising, fainting, or dizziness, go to the doctor immediately. Even one of these symptoms could mean you’re bleeding internally. Fast diagnosis and treatment are needed since this can be fatal.

Behavior and Mood Changes

It’s normal to feel a little out of sorts after an auto accident. It’s a traumatic event, so you’ll be shaken up for a bit. However, if you notice significant mood or behavior changes in the hours, days, or weeks following the accident, you might have a traumatic brain injury. Other signs include problems with movement, vision, hearing, and memory. When you get diagnosed, you can begin the road to recovery.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately