About 5.25 million car accidents occur every single year in the US. In some cases, many don’t suffer from any physical injuries after an accident and continue their daily lives without hesitation. This is a major red flag as being involved in a car accident you physically and neurologically.
It is essential to consult a neurologist for a comprehensive medical evaluation if you have been in a car accident of even small intensity.
Following symptoms are commonly experienced by car accident victims that are an indication of a neurological injury;
These neurological signs might not appear immediately, but they are extremely dangerous to ignore in the long run.
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders or diseases related to the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
After an accident, if you feel dizzy or cannot function properly, do not entrust your care to a general physician and consult a neurologist immediately. Neurological injuries that go untreated lead to chronic discomfort and other neuro-disorders.
1. Body Weakness:
General weakness caused due to pain or injury when you have hurt your arm or leg after an accident is much different than neurological pain. If you are finding it difficult to lift your body or cannot function properly even though you haven’t injured yourself physically is a red flag.
In such cases, it is a sign that you might have hurt part of your nervous system, which needs to be consulted by a neurologist.
2. Numbing & Tingling Sensation:
Numbing and tingling feeling around your arms and legs is a major indication that you are suffering from a neurological injury. This occurs when the accident has caused your spinal disc nerves to dislocate, pressing a nerve causing nerve damage.
Whiplash is the most common neck injury caused due to sudden neck movement during an accident. This is mostly characterized by headaches, tingling and numbness, and dizziness.
3. Bladder Problems:
Bladder dysfunction like involuntary urine output, trouble emptying the bladder, and painful urination indicate brain damage. This occurs when the accident has affected the sacral portion of the spinal cord.
4. Optic Nerve Damage:
Optic nerve damage is referred to issues with vision caused due to damage to the optic nerve. In such a case, the victim might have trouble with seeing clearly or experience double vision. In extreme cases, it can lead to blindness.
5. Involuntary Spasms:
Frequent and out-of-control twitching around the eyelids and muscle spasms is a sign for you to see a neurologist. In most cases, this commonly occurs due to muscle fiber damage. Whatever the cause is, if you experience consistent twitching and spasms, consult a neurologist immediately.
Car accidents can be quite overwhelming but documenting your symptoms and consulting the specialist at the right time is extremely significant. If you experience the above-enlisted points after a car accident, these are significant enough signs/reasons for you to consult a neurologist immediately.
Ignoring small signs that may seem insignificant can be harmful to your health in the long run. Thus, do not hesitate and seek help at the right time!
