Neurologists are doctors specializing in injuries and disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding muscles. If you are involved in a car accident, going to a neurologist might not be something usually considered, but it will help explore your health issues and legal options. Many people ignore symptoms that their accident caused nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury.
Not treating nerve-related injuries can lead to debilitating pain and traumatic and degenerative conditions that can affect the person’s ability to perform normally.
When should you see a neurologist after a car accident?
The symptoms of brain and spinal injuries do not show up immediately after an accident. These types of injuries are often known as the most common hidden injuries after a car accident which means they cna easily be masked by the accident shock and go undiagnosed.
You should see a neurologist after a car accident if you have the following symptoms:
- Headaches that persist for days or weeks after the accident.
- Dizziness or loss of balance.
- Numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, legs or feet.
- Vision problems or double vision.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Memory loss or confusion.
- Changes in mood or personality.
- Sensitivity to light
- Balance problems
- Loss of bladder control
- Soreness in neck and back
Several neurological medical conditions can arise from a car accident, including the following.
- Traumatic brain injury
It occurs when the brain gets damaged due to a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. This type of injury is common in most car accidents and can range from mild to severe.
- Concussion
Concussion arises from traumatic brain injury. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, confusion, and memory problems.
- Spinal cord injury
It can occur if the spinal cord gets damaged due to traumatic events like car accidents. Symptoms include tingling, weakness, numbness, or paralysis in limbs.
- Stroke
In car accidents, blood flow to the brain can be disrupted, causing blood to clot or bleed in the car. Car accidents can cause stroke due to the sudden impact or jolt to the body.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is a psychological disorder that can develop after a car accident. The symptoms of this disorder include depression, anxiety, difficulty speaking, or flashbacks.
- Nerve damage
Car accidents can lead to nerve damage causing weakness, pain, numbness, or tingling in affected areas.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience such symptoms after a car accident, as it can lead to long-term complications.