Many injuries are immediately apparent after a car accident. Victims are immediately aware of broken bones, burns, amputations, paralysis, and head injuries. A puncture wound or bleeding wound is easy to identify.
However, some car accident injuries are not immediately known. Neurological injuries often do not present symptoms for days or weeks after the car accident. In some cases, a person might not develop or associate symptoms with neurological injuries for months after an automobile accident.
Sadly, neurological injuries can cause debilitating conditions that impact a person’s life forever.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Neurological Injuries?
There are numerous ways that you can sustain neurological injuries in an automobile accident. The nerves can be severed, torn, or stretched. Injuries can also place pressure on nerves, thereby causing problems.
Whiplash is one example of how nerves are damaged in a car accident. The motion of the head “whipping” back and forth can cause nerves in the neck to be pinched or stretched. It can also cause damage to the nerves in the brain as the brain strikes the skull.
Blunt force trauma to the brain or any other areas of the body can cause nerve damage. Lacerations sustained during a collision can sever and damage nerves in the affected area.
Symptoms of nerve damage after a car accident can include:
- Paralysis
- Difficulty speaking
- Dizziness
- Loss of strength
- Limbs “falling asleep”
- Much atrophy
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Tingling or prickling sensation in the extremities
- Excessive or chronic pain
- Lightheadedness
- Abnormal sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
- Muscle twitching or uncontrolled movements
- Dry eyes or mouth
It is always a good idea to be seen by a doctor after a car or truck accident. A doctor performs an examination to diagnose injuries sustained by the accident. You could have injuries that you are unaware of until a physician examines you.
Anyone who experiences any of the above symptoms or other symptoms after a car accident should seek immediate medical attention. What you might consider a “minor” symptom could be an indication of a serious injury.
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Types of Neurological Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
Several types of nerves can be damaged in a car wreck. The types of nerves that are damaged determine the effect on body functions.
For example, our motor nerves control movement while our sensory nerves control sensation. Autonomic nerves control our bodily functions.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that occurs when nerves are damaged in the peripheral nervous system. The condition impacts a person’s ability to maintain balance, walk, and hold objects. Severe cases of neuropathy can be disabling and prevent a person from returning to work.
Radiculopathy affects the nerves in the spinal column. It can cause chronic pain, weakness, and numbness that radiates from the lower back into the arms or legs. As with neuropathy, radiculopathy can impact a person’s quality of life and ability to work.
Depending on the nerves that are damaged, neurological disorders that could result from a car accident include:
- Spinal cord damage that results in partial or complete paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Nerve root impingement
- Neuromuscular junction
- Cranial nerve damage
- Autonomic nervous system disruption
- Peripheral nerve disruption
Treatment for neurological issues varies depending on the nerves damaged and the extent of the damage. Medication and physical therapy are common treatments for nerve damage. However, surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Some accident victims recover from neurological issues. However, some people develop permanent impairments. Prompt medical treatment can help improve your chances of recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Prompt medical care can also help you recover compensation for damages. A monetary award cannot undo the damage caused by a negligent or careless driver, but it can give you the money you need to pay for treatment, personal care, and living expenses.
If you sustain a permanent impairment, compensation from a car accident claim can help you provide for your needs in the future.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for Neurological Issues After a Car Accident
Proving neurological conditions after a car accident could be challenging. Depending on the type of injury, your doctor may need to perform additional tests to determine the exact cause of your pain and other symptoms. You need medical evidence that the accident caused your injury to recover compensation for damages.
Therefore, contact a doctor immediately after a car crash to begin the process of documenting your injuries. Make sure to tell your doctor about all symptoms you experience, including when the symptoms worsen or change. If you begin to experience additional symptoms, report those symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Working with a personal injury lawyer is also essential. Your lawyer understands the evidence required to prove liability and damages.
He also understands the deadlines for filing lawsuits and how to maximize the value of your damages. A personal injury attorney fights to get you the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
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Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
To learn more, call a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives.
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