Drivers across California may be aware of the many serious issues that can arise after a car accident, but many people do not know that injuries from car crashes can take days or weeks to show their full effects. Those who have been in a car crash should pay special attention to how they feel in the time following an accident to ensure medical help is not needed.
As KTAR news explains, concussions are a major concern following a car crash, and traumatic brain injuries can be fatal. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, difficulty remembering things, issues with hearing and vision, or abrupt differences in a person’s attitude and personality. Headaches in the days following an accident are common, but because they are a symptom of more serious issues they should be given medical attention.
Whiplash, a delayed injury to the head and neck commonly the result of a car accident, has symptoms other than neck pain. A person who is feeling numbness after a car crash could be experiencing this as a result of trauma to the spine. Diagnosing whiplash is not always simple, and sometimes requires the use of imaging techniques, including X-rays, MRI and CT scans.
Another common problem after a car accident is post-traumatic stress disorder. As the Journal Sentinel explains, some people do not realize that PTSD can result from a single event, but traumatic incidents like car accidents can cause a person to suffer from PTSD. Typical symptoms include trouble sleeping, avoiding daily tasks that bring up the memories of fear, flashbacks, and depression. This condition responds well to treatment, and many people learn to manage their anxiety and can get back to their daily routine.