Victims of a car crash experience a wide variety of injuries. From cuts to broken bones, many of these injuries cause immediate pain. However, the symptoms of other injuries may take time to appear, and these injuries put victims at risk of severe complications or death. What are some collision injuries with delayed symptoms?
Traumatic brain injuries
It is easy for drivers and passengers alike to experience head injuries during a crash. Their heads can easily strike the dashboard, steering wheel, windows or headrest. Even sudden motion of the head can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. The brain injuries that result may not be immediately apparent, and a variety of symptoms can appear hours, days or even weeks after the initial injury. These symptoms include:
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing and memory problems
- Nausea
- Loss of balance
- Speech issues
- Light or sound sensitivity
Depending on their severity, these injuries may require medication or surgical intervention to treat.
Internal bleeding
Just as brain injuries may not be immediately apparent, internal bleeding is difficult to diagnose immediately. Symptoms of internal bleeding can take time to appear after a crash, and include:
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark and persistent bruising
- Abdominal pain
Internal bleeding in the abdomen may require emergency surgical procedures.
Back and spinal injuries
Soreness is particularly common after a car crash, but other conditions like whiplash, herniated disks and spinal damage could cause long-term damage if left untreated. Symptoms of severe back and spinal injuries include:
- Headaches
- Pain in the neck and shoulders
- Weakness
- Loss of balance
- Difficulty breathing
Because the symptoms of severe injuries can take days to appear, it is important to seek medical attention after an accident or as soon as symptoms appear. Seeking treatment is the best way to protect your health and to keep these severe injures from growing worse.