Some car accidents do not have to rise to the level where you feel like you need an ambulance at the scene. However, this does not mean you should forego a doctor’s exam. You may have damaged your body that takes time to manifest into symptoms.
A delayed onset injury may prove serious if a doctor does not diagnose and treat you soon enough. A gash in the head or broken bone are common accident injuries that manifest immediately. Delayed injuries occur over time due to damage inflicted under the surface. If you recognize some of the signs below, do not hesitate to seek a physician’s care.
Can you have a head injury?
One of the worst injuries may show no apparent signs. A traumatic brain injury can happen with a head strike or a jostle. Since the brain is ultra-sensitive, it may begin to bleed or swell if it rattles around and hits the skull. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
- Intensifying headache
- Lethargy
- Drastic mood swings
- Vertigo
- Delayed response
- Memory loss
What about internal bleeding?
When an impact flings your body around, you may strain against the seatbelt and hit other elements inside the car. Bruising is normal to some degree. If you notice new bruises after a couple of days, or if older bruises get black and widen, you may have an artery or organ that is bleeding.
If you are dealing with a car accident, get a physical at the hospital or your doctor within a day. This may locate an underlying injury and save you from further damage.