The jarring violence of a car crash can do a considerable amount of damage to the human body. In just seconds, a traumatic crash can leave individuals with serious injuries. That is why it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident.
Even so, some symptoms and injuries might not appear until later after the accident. So, it is critical that loved ones or individuals involved in a collision lookout for the symptoms of serious injuries in the time following a crash as well.
Here are three symptoms individuals should watch out for.
1. Pain, swelling or numbness in limbs
Naturally, individuals should watch out for any subsequent physical symptoms they experience, such as:
- Pain in the neck, back and abdomen;
- Swelling at any part of the body; or
- Numbness or tingling in limbs.
These symptoms could indicate someone is suffering from whiplash, internal bleeding, a pinched nerve or perhaps even a spinal cord injury.
2. Headaches
A headache might not seem like too much cause for worry. However, if a severe headache persists after a car accident it could be a sign of an even worse injury, such as:
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI);
- Bleeding in the brain; or
- Even a neck injury.
Headaches are common after an accident, but individuals must take the symptoms of a constant headache seriously in these cases.
3. Changes in behavior
A significant change in an individual’s behavior after an accident can take many forms, including:
- Withdrawal from loved ones;
- Symptoms of depression or anxiety; and
- Irregular and extreme mood swings.
These behavioral changes could also be a sign that a loved one is suffering from a TBI. However, many people may also experience emotional trauma – perhaps even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – after a serious car accident.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so individuals must also be on the lookout for emotional changes in their loved ones.
