Surprising Injuries A Car Crash Can Cause
Accidents – it happens. According to the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) there are over 800 000 over road accidents in South Africa yearly. Although many people typically associate motor vehicle accidents with immediate damage to their body. We rarely think about other pre-existing injuries and even illnesses that could have been worsened by the accident. And the emotional and psychological damage that an accident can cause.
Although you can suffer severe injuries, you may not feel symptoms immediately. This happens partly because of the adrenaline rush and shock you go through whilst your body figure out what’s going on.
Another reason you may not notice an injury is because the soft tissues can swell long after the trauma occurs. Pain in one part of the body can also go unnoticed when more intense pain is focused elsewhere. This spectacle may also apply to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which develops in people who have experienced a shocking or dangerous event. The emotional consequences of a car accident don’t always appear immediately.
Here are a few surprising illnesses and injuries car accidents can cause, directly or otherwise.
Abdominal Problems
During a car crash, your pelvis and abdominal area are at significant risk because the vehicle’s bumpers, seat belts, steering wheel, and airbags align with your midsection. Sometimes internal organ injuries in this region don’t show up right after a car accident. However, if you feel pain or swelling, you may have internal injuries.
Sometimes the damage is so severe that the organs will bleed, which can cause dizziness, fainting, and even death.
Head Injury
If you suffer a blow to the head resulting from a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. It’s almost impossible to diagnose a head injury accurately based on the initial symptoms alone, even if you know how hard you hit your head.
While you can expect a temporary headache after an accident, mostly derived from stress. It could also signify that you have a head or neck injury or even a blood clot.
These conditions often cause long-term health problems but may even lead to death. So, if you suspect brain damage, talk to your doctor about getting a CT-scan or an MRI to examine the brain.
Chest and rib injuries
Sometimes when you feel chest pain after a car accident, you may have a severe injury, even if the pain is mild.
Pay special attention if the pain worsens when you press or lie on the injured area. You should also note any sharp pain in the injured area of the chest, or pain that worsens when breathing or coughing.
While seat belts undoubtedly save lives, they can also cause injuries during the impact of a car accident, including abrasions, bruises, sternum fractures, and internal injuries.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Never underestimate your mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among car accident victims. Signs of this condition include heightened anxiety and associated symptoms, such as heavy breathing and panic attacks. In addition, emotional distress and periods of reliving the accident can also occur. Seek medical attention immediately, as this has a great impact on your everyday life.
There are a lot of injuries that can be sustained during a collision, such as leg and knee injuries, foot and ankle injuries, and more. Be sure to get a professional medical check-up after a car accident to make sure you’re in tip-top shape, and all details are important!
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