Is Excessive Fatigue Normal After an Accident?

Feeling extremely fatigued after a recent car accident? Every person reacts to the trauma of an accident differently, and car accident injuries can be sneaky—it can be days or even weeks until symptoms present themselves. Excessive fatigue is one symptom you should take seriously. Here’s what you need to know if you’re feeling more fatigued than usual following a car accident.

Excessive Fatigue and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Every person’s body deals with stress and trauma differently. For some people, sleeping a lot after a car accident may be a natural reaction to a scary event like a car accident. In some cases, unusual sleepiness may be the result of an emotional response rather than a physical injury. The emotional toll of a car accident can leave a person feeling depressed, anxious, or angry, causing excessive fatigue or sleepiness.

Excessive sleeping or fatigue can also be a sign of a serious physical problem, like a traumatic brain injury. This type of injury is common after a car crash due to the tremendous force of impact involved in even a minor collision.

Drowsiness and fatigue are just two common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury. If you find yourself sleeping more in the days and weeks following a car accident, it’s a sign you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel like your fatigue is related to anxiety or depression following an accident, you should still reach out to your doctor, as only a medical professional can provide you with a true diagnosis and a treatment plan for your symptoms.

What to Do if You’re Experiencing Excessive Fatigue After a Car Accident

If you’re feeling much more tired than usual following a car accident, or if you’re noticing you’re sleeping a lot more than you normally need to, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can determine whether you’re suffering from a traumatic brain injury or any other injury that may be causing excessive fatigue. The sooner you get diagnosed, the better. You could also be dealing with more subtle injuries, like soft tissue damage, so get examined right away to prevent long-term problems.

Seek Medical Attention for Excessive Fatigue After a Car Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident, the first thing you should do is get examined by a doctor right away. Even if you’re not feeling pain, discomfort, or fatigue at first, the nature of your injuries may mean that symptoms don’t show up until days or weeks after the accident. If your doctor suggests physical therapy following an accident, reach out to the team at Impact Medical Group of Lutz. We’re your partner on the road to recovery, helping you feel your best. Call us today at (813) 536-0373 to schedule your consultation.