How To Best Check For Internal Injuries After An Auto Accident

The sad truth is that many people do not seek treatment after an accident. This is often due to “feeling fine.” But the reality is that they could have internal injuries that have not manifested symptoms yet.

This can be deadly as internal injuries don’t often present obvious symptoms that warn victims that they are in trouble. That is why our team at Impact Medical Sun City Center is here to offer tips on our tried and true ways that those involved in accidents can use as a guide to check for these internal injuries.

Types of Internal Injuries from Car Accidents

Accidents can be traumatic for all those involved. Occupants might be slammed against a window, the windshield, the dashboard, or the steering wheel. And that doesn’t include the impact of the airbags when they are deployed or injuries caused by seat belts.

Some of the most common internal injuries sustained in car accidents include:

• Broken ribs
• Collapsed lung (Pneumothorax)
• Organ damage
• Ruptured spleen
• Abdominal aorta rupture
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Internal bleeding

Internal Injuries: The Dangers

To adequately diagnose internal injuries, everyone involved in an accident will need a medical examination performed by a doctor. This examination will often include X-rays, CT scans, or angiography to examine tissues, bones, and blood vessels.

If you were to go to an Emergency Room following an accident, they often begin with an “EFAST” assessment, or “Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma.” This test uses ultrasound technology to look for any fluid accumulation or internal bleeding.

Internal injuries to organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or spleen do not produce the same symptoms that injuries to bones, muscles, or skin do. Don’t let that fool you though, they can be deadly and can cause hemorrhagic bleeding and extreme swelling and inflammation.

In light of this, let’s take a look at a list of the symptoms to look out for after a car accident.

Symptoms To Check For

While difficult to diagnose on your own, there are several symptoms you can look out for that could mean that you have an internal injury. They include:

Pain

Check for abdominal or chest pain or any tenderness. If you have any pain in your chest, stomach, or groin, you should seek medical attention, even if the pain is not severe.

Remember, the symptoms of internal injuries can be minor at first but often worsen over time.

Nausea

Nausea and dizziness are common symptoms after car accidents due to blood loss. Vomiting may also occur in victims who are suffering from internal injuries.

Note: Vomiting is a sure sign that something is wrong, especially if you notice blood in the vomit.

Bruising

Bruising, though often an outward sign of injury, can also be caused by internal injuries. If you notice patches of dark purple skin, this is an indication that you are bleeding into your skin and other soft tissues which is much more serious than a simple contusion.

Shock

If you are bleeding internally due to an accident, you may go into shock. Symptoms of shock include rapid heart rate, weakness, lightheadedness, and lethargy.

Blood in Stool or Urine

If you notice any blood when you use the bathroom, you should seek medical care immediately. Don’t assume that it will go away. It could be a sign of an injury or problem in your kidneys, bowels, or elsewhere in the body.

Seek Medical Treatment Today

If you have been in a car accident and are noticing any of the above symptoms, it is time to visit a doctor to diagnose your injuries. Do not wait. Treating any internal injuries quickly is imperative to your recovery.

Contact our skilled accident care team at Impact Medical Sun City Center at (813) 938-5195 for a thorough examination after an accident. We will ensure every injury or symptom is taken care of promptly.