It may seem like a miracle to be able to walk away from a car accident without any injuries, but things may be more serious than you think. Many hidden injuries can worsen over time if they go untreated and can even become fatal. Certain head injuries result in tens of thousands of fatalities every year. With your health at stake, here are five signs for delayed or hidden injuries you should watch out for after an accident:
Numbness
Nerve damage is a dangerous thing. If your nervous system is even slightly damaged, it can result in paralysis. Sometimes, internal bleeding can cause pressure to build upon a nerve, causing numbness at first, but it can develop into something more severe.
Emotional changes
A head wound has the potential to change someone’s personality entirely. Depending on what part of the brain is suffering an injury, a person can become paranoid, angry, or experience any number of other emotional shifts.
Bruising
It is normal for bruising to occur after an accident, even in minor accidents. However, if a bruise is paired with extreme pain and swelling, it may be a sign of a contusion or hematoma. If your bruise has lasted more than two weeks, it may not be a bruise.
Sleep issues
Trouble falling asleep, falling asleep unexpectedly, and trouble staying asleep can all be a sign of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). When a TBI injures the sleep portion of your brain, it can affect you in a number of ways, so be sure to pay attention to odd sleep patterns after an accident.
Headaches
What may be one of the most dangerous signs of a hidden injury, headaches are one of the most telling signs of a TBI. A headache is not always a minor consequence of an accident. It could be one of your only signs of something dangerous after your crash, so be sure to see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing a severe headache after your accident.
Trust your instinct
Trust your gut and seek medical attention if you suspect that something is wrong after a car accident. Just because you were able to walk away from your crash does not mean that you are okay. Even if you feel fine, make sure you see a doctor confirm your health and avoid any hidden injuries.