On the surface, it seemed like a routine fender-bender – a car accident with minimal damage to either vehicle. You shrugged off the minor headache that surfaced, attributing it to the fact that you were in a rush to get to work and only had a cup of coffee for breakfast.
But that headache gradually worsened. You went home for lunch and did not return to work, calling in sick for the rest of the day. This is a prime example of a delayed injury symptom. You cannot ignore such a symptom, which could mean a serious health problem and potentially death. Seek medical attention right away.
Headaches and abdominal pain
Delayed injury symptoms do not just arrive within hours. Such pain can surface days, weeks and even months after the initial incident. It is not unheard for such injury victims to go to bed and never wake up.
Here are some of the more common delayed injury symptoms that may surface after car collisions, car-pedestrian collisions, or a fall:
- Gradual and persistent headache: Fatigue and dizziness may be a sign of a concussion or other injuries. Bleeding on the brain is possible from a traumatic brain injury, too.
- Abdominal pain: Bruising and swelling are signs of potentially serious medical problems. It may be internal bleeding caused by organ damage to the heart, liver, lungs and spleen. Such an injury may lead to organ failure, too.
- Back pain: This may occur after your car is struck from behind. Initial lower back pain may seem tolerable until the discomfort climbs up your spine. This may lead to chiropractic treatments and even back surgery.
- Shoulder and neck stiffness: Lifelong pain is possible due to damaged ligaments, joints and discs.
- Tingling and numbness in arms and legs: This is a potential sign of nerve damage. Numbness and many of the other mentioned delayed symptoms can point to whiplash.
- Change in personality: This can happen, stemming from a serious head injury. The vitriol coming from the mouth of your once benevolent aunt – injured in a car-pedestrian collision — represents a sign that something is wrong.
Seek prompt medical attention when these symptoms surface. Doing so just may save your life.
Listen to your body
Seemingly minor incidents may lead to major injuries. Delayed injury symptoms, sometimes, take victims by surprise. Listen to your body and do not ignore what could lead to a freight train of pain.