Common Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Head, neck and back injuries are the most common injuries resulting from auto accidents. Although these are the most common injuries, internal organs, upper and lower limbs are affected many times as well.
Traumatic brain injuries due to a car accident happen when the external force of the car traumatizes the brain. If someone suffers from a traumatic brain injury, this is a very serious injury. This type of injury may lead to a permanent impairment of the brain being able to function. Other times the impairment is only temporary. One may suffer from a bruise or bruises of the brain, nerve damage and/or skull fracture(s).
If you have been in a car accident you may have a CT scan and/or MRI scan to diagnose if you have a brain injury.
Symptoms include dizziness, lack of concentration, seizures, memory loss, headaches, depression and/or anxiety.
When in a car accident you may suffer from whip lash. When the soft tissues that include the nerves, ligaments and muscles are injured you experience whip lash. You will have neck pain and limited movement of your neck. Whip lash can be permanent or temporary.
To treat whip lash that lasts for more than a few days, your physician may give you medication as well as information and a prescription to a chiropractor or physical therapist.
Another type of injury that may occur due to a car accident is TMJ also known as the temporalmandibular joint. When in a car accident, the TMJ can be injured and cause problems with eating, chewing and speaking correctly.
Back injuries due to a car accident include the discs becoming injured. The discs have an outer area that is called the annulus. If the annulus is torn, one can experience a herniated disc. Many times a person with a herniated disc needs surgery. Other disc injuries in a back and neck include a slipped disc, bulged disc or ruptured disc.
Other discs that may be affected due to a car accident include the thoracic discs, mid-back discs and lumbar discs.
The symptoms of a back injury or spinal injury include paralysis, difficulty breathing, arm and/or leg weakness, tingling, numbness and an irregular bowel/bladder control.
One may need to have surgery on the back if the above occurs. The types of surgeries that may be done include a spinal fusion or remove disc material.
You will be given medication and if the pain does not subside, you may be given a prescription to a physical therapist or chiropractor.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact an attorney who specializes in auto accidents and personal injury to discuss your claim.