You may feel lucky to walk away from a car accident feeling relatively fine. However, you may have injuries to your internal body systems without realizing it for hours or days.
Underlying injuries can sneak up on you, but your body will give off warning signs. If you let these go too long, in some instances, you might find yourself dealing with a critical health condition.
Is a headache after a crash normal?
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that the head needs to strike something to sustain an injury. Since the skull cavity is larger than the brain, this vital organ can slide around under the right force. A car crash can cause the head to jerk and the brain to hit the skull, causing injuries.
A headache after a crash may seem expected, but if the symptom lingers or worsens, it may signal that your brain has an injury. Traumatic brain injuries can become critical and life-threatening if a bleed or swelling occurs. Other signs to look out for include the following:
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Memory changes
Is bruising cause for alarm?
A few bruises and scrapes after a crash may seem unalarming. Pay special attention to the location of the bruising, especially if it is in the abdominal area. If the seatbelt catches and tightens, the vessels in the stomach may burst and begin to bleed. Look for bruising that gets significantly worse and spreads. You may also have an injured organ that needs attention.
Do not dismiss signs of injury after a crash. This may delay your treatment and lead to a broader set of medical issues with which to contend.