Signs of Hidden Injuries After An Accident

There are several signs of hidden injuries that may occur after an accident. Some of these signs include:

Headaches

Headaches can take several days to start but can be severe, debilitating, and constant. Many hope they will improve with time, but they could be a symptom of something more severe if it is not treated promptly. In some cases, headaches can just be caused by strained muscles, but they can signal a serious problem, such as a traumatic brain injury like a concussion, whiplash, or a pinched nerve. 

Neck or Shoulder Pain and Stiffness

Any delayed neck injury symptoms often mean you have whiplash. Rear-end collisions, in particular, commonly cause whiplash. However, it could also signify a herniated disc or other damage to the spine. An x-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be required to diagnose it properly. 

Back Pain

Back pain or sciatica pain often has a delayed onset. Sciatica is a type of pain that comes from the sciatic nerve and can radiate down one side of the lower body. There are many injuries that back pain could represent, such as a spinal cord injury, herniated disc, pinched nerve, soft tissue injury, sprain, or whiplash. 

Numbness

Numbness or tingling often means there is a problem with nerve function, either because the nerve itself is injured or something is pressing on it. For example, a loss of feeling in the hands or arms can indicate damage to the neck, spinal column, or whiplash. 

Abdominal Pain or Swelling

Internal bleeding can present with abdominal pain, swelling, deep purple bruises, shortness of breath, fainting, or dizziness. Without emergency treatment, internal bleeding can be very dangerous and possibly life-threatening. 

Changes in Behavior 

Changes to someone’s personality or behavior can be signs of a traumatic brain injury. Examples of symptoms can be impaired memory, problems with vision or hearing, issues managing emotions, impulsiveness, mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression, the inability to speak, problems being social, feeling unmotivated, and more.

Psychological Distress 

Accidents can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental health condition that people can develop after witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event. Symptoms may include severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the accident.

What to Do if You Experience Signs of a Hidden Injury After an Accident

If you experience signs of a hidden injury after an accident, see a doctor immediately, even if your symptoms are minor. They can determine if you have any underlying injuries and whether you need treatment. Keep a record of your visits, medical expenses, and a journal of the symptoms you experience after the accident. Contact a trusted Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible if your accident was caused by another party. Pursuing a claim for a hidden injury with delayed symptoms can be complex. The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely challenge that the injury is related to the accident if there was a delay in its diagnosis or treatment. An attorney can advise you and ensure you recover the compensation for your injuries that you deserve.