Car accidents are sudden and traumatic and can cause many different injuries. Some injuries are obvious, other injuries show up later. This can be confusing and scary for accident victims who may think they are fine after an auto accident and then suddenly feel pain and discomfort later on.
Regardless, get seen after your accident. An experienced car accident doctor at our spine and orthopedic clinic can help you heal.
In this post, we will talk about how long after an accident can injuries show up, why delayed symptoms happen and what you should do to take care of yourself after a crash.
Initial Symptoms vs. Delayed Symptoms
After a car accident, some injuries are obvious. You may feel immediate pain, bleeding or fractures. These symptoms are easy to see and prompt a quick response.
But not all injuries shop right away. Delayed injuries can be just as bad. Headaches, neck pain and back pain may show up days, weeks or even months after the accident.
These delayed injury symptoms can be masked by the adrenaline rush that comes with a car accident. Adrenaline can temporarily numb the pain and discomfort so you can’t fully assess your injuries right after the crash.
Recognizing Symptoms
Recognizing the difference between initial and delayed symptoms of car accident injuries is key. Initial symptoms like pain and bleeding get immediate medical attention. Delayed symptoms like headaches or chronic neck pain require awareness. They can be signs of underlying injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries that need to be evaluated.
Complications
Initial symptoms if left untreated can become more serious. Always get seen even if you feel fine. A full exam can reveal hidden injuries and prevent long term problems.
Types of Injuries
Car accidents can cause many types of injuries, some immediate, some much later. Knowing these helps you know what to look for in the days and weeks after a crash and injuries show up. Symptoms and injuries can manifest long after a car accident due to the body’s adrenaline response during trauma.
Headaches
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health challenge following car accidents. Headaches are common after a car accident. They can be from anxiety, brain injuries, concussions or PTSD. Persistent headaches, dizziness and confusion are symptoms not to be ignored. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition like a traumatic brain injury.
Neck, Back or Shoulder Pain
Pain in these areas is often from whiplash or other joint injuries. Muscle tension and nerve damage can cause chronic pain and limited mobility. These symptoms may not show up right away but can develop over time and affect your daily activities.
Bruises
Bruises may seem minor but can be signs of internal damage or soft tissue injuries. Symptoms are discoloration, swelling and tenderness. Get seen to rule out more serious internal injuries.
Swollen Extremities
Swelling in the arms or legs is from tissue damage, pulled muscles or sprains. This can cause pain and limited mobility making it hard to do daily tasks. Swollen extremities need to be evaluated to determine the extent of the injury.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries have long term effects on both cognitive and physical functions. Symptoms are memory loss, difficulty concentrating and mood changes. These are serious injuries that need prompt medical attention and ongoing care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis or loss of function. Symptoms may be immediate or gradual loss of sensation and movement. Quick diagnosis and treatment is key to minimizing long term effects.
Soft Tissue
Soft tissue injury, such as sprains and strains, is common in car accidents. Symptoms are pain, swelling and bruising. These injuries can be severe and often require rest, physical therapy and medication to heal.
Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating injuries are high risk for organ damage and internal bleeding. Symptoms are sharp pain, tenderness and visible wounds. Get seen immediately for these injuries.
Psychological Issues
Psychological trauma like PTSD and emotional trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Symptoms are anxiety, depression and flashbacks. Psychological support and therapy is often needed to recover from these.
Why Delayed Symptoms Occur
After a car accident, some injuries show up later.
Adrenaline Masks Pain
One reason is adrenaline. During a traumatic event your body releases adrenaline which can mask immediate pain and discomfort. You may feel fine and then later develop neck pain or headaches.
Severity of the Injury
Another reason is the severity of the injury. Not all injuries are immediate. For example internal injuries or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. These types of injuries can take time to develop and pain and other symptoms can show up later.
Body’s Natural Healing Process
The body’s natural healing process also comes into play. As your body heals it may reveal underlying injuries. Swelling, bruising and pain can develop as your body responds to trauma. This is especially true for conditions like whiplash where symptoms can get worse over time.
Get Seen
After a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, seek medical treatment as underlying injuries show up later, such as internal bleeding. Get seen and have these hidden injuries treated before they get worse.
Follow-up Care
Follow up care is important in your recovery after a motor vehicle accident. Following medical advice and treatment plans helps manage long term symptoms and prevent chronic pain. Regular check ups can track your progress, adjust your treatment and address if delayed injuries show up weeks after the accident.
Evidence
After a car accident evidence is key.
Documentation
Start by documenting the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions and any visible injuries. These photos can be crucial in a personal injury claim. Also keep all records of medical bills, lost wages and car repairs. This documentation will support your claim.
Insurance Companies and Lawyers
After an accident you will be dealing with insurance companies. It’s a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer to help you negotiate. Insurance companies will try to minimize payouts so having a lawyer ensures you get fair compensation. A lawyer will also guide you through the legal process making it less overwhelming.
Keep a Record
Keep a record of all contact with medical professionals and insurance companies. This includes dates of appointments, treatments and any communication with insurers.
Meet With an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Doctor Today!
Whether or not your symptoms after a car accident is immediate, you should seek prompt medical treatment. At Georgia Spine and Orthopaedics, we are dedicated to helping you alleviate any pain you may be if injuries show up.
Make an appointment with us today at 678-929-4494!
