In the aftermath of a car accident, your immediate concerns are most likely visible injuries—bruises, broken bones and bleeding. But did you know that some of the most serious injuries can be invisible and unnoticed in the chaos following a collision? You may not know you have sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) because it’s internal, and the symptoms may take a while to manifest.
This is why you should prioritize your well-being and seek in-depth medical evaluation and treatment even if you feel okay after an accident. Otherwise, this potentially life-altering injury may go unnoticed and worsen right under your nose.
Why spinal cord injuries are often overlooked initially
Due to the trauma of a motor vehicle accident, the bundle of nerves transmitting messages between your brain and the rest of your body may sustain damage. The location of impact will determine how severe the SCI will manifest and the bodily functions that may get compromised. You may be looking at:
- Partial paralysis
- Complete paralysis
- Loss of sensation
Unfortunately, not all spinal cord injuries are immediately obvious after a car accident. You may decide to go about your normal life, yet there is an underlying spinal cord injury that’s worsening by the day.
There are several reasons why SCIs may not manifest immediately. To begin with, the shock you experience when you encounter the unexpected events of an accident may trigger adrenaline production, whose primary role is to mask your pain.
You may not realize how much pain you are in because your body is protecting you from being overwhelmed by the events of the collision. So, unless you seek immediate medical attention, you may not recognize the extent of your injuries.
Additionally, some spinal cord injuries are simply not immediately symptomatic. In such instances, it may take hours, days or even weeks for symptoms to manifest. During this time, damage to the spinal cord could worsen without proper treatment.
In the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision, you should prioritize your health even if you think that you are unscathed. Aside from ruling out or diagnosing underlying issues, seeking medical treatment can also help ensure you have the necessary medical reports to seek compensation for any injuries that may or may not be immediately symptomatic. An appropriate legal team can use your medical records to negotiate a fair settlement that corresponds with the acuteness of your injuries.