In the time after a car accident, the immediate pain and visible wounds often draw attention. Yet, there exists a subtler aspect to injuries.
Some symptoms can show up long after the first incident and still cause serious problems.
Internal bleeding
One delayed injury symptom is internal bleeding. After an incident, the body may not immediately show distress. Hours or even days later, symptoms like abdominal pain, swelling or lightheadedness may start. Internal bleeding can lead to life-threatening complications.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries present a serious risk with delayed symptoms. Following a blow to the head, individuals may not feel the full impact until days later. Issues like persistent headaches, memory loss or difficulty concentrating may reflect this problem.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
The mental toll of an accident often goes beyond the physical realm. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a delayed injury that can surface weeks or even months later. With 6% of Americans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder during their life at some point, this problem affects people for many different reasons.
Nightmares, anxiety and intrusive thoughts can disrupt one’s daily life and lead to extreme stress. Acknowledging the delayed start of these symptoms is important for effective coping strategies.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries may not seem obvious right away. However, days after an accident, symptoms like pain, numbness or difficulty moving can show up, signaling potential spinal damage.
The delayed onset of symptoms after a car crash poses an often underestimated threat. Fast medical assessment is important to prevent further complications and address these serious consequences.
