Symptoms of Internal Bleeding After an Auto Accident
Often, after an auto accident, people are able to assess their injuries and seek appropriate medical attention. However, sometimes, people suffer injuries that are not immediately or easily obvious, which can pose a serious threat to one’s health if left untreated. An example of a hidden danger that could pose a serious risk to a person after an auto accident is internal bleeding. A person might think that they are well at first, only for them to realize later that they have a case of internal bleeding. If you were involved in an auto accident and it seems like you did not suffer any injury, it is crucial that you stay alert and watch out for symptoms that could indicate internal bleeding.
Different forms of internal bleeding can arise after an auto accident, depending on where you experienced trauma during your accident. Below, we discuss the different forms of internal bleeding and the symptoms of each form of internal bleeding.
Bleeding in the Brain
If you suffer trauma to your head in an auto accident, you may suffer bleeding in the brain. If you suffered trauma to your head during an accident, you may have sustained a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury is a serious injury that, if left untreated, can affect many areas of your life. A traumatic brain injury can result in, among other things, communication difficulties, sensory disturbances, emotional and behavioral changes, and cognitive impairments, such as memory problems. Immediately you notice any signs of bleeding in the brain, you need to see a doctor. The following are some signs and symptoms of bleeding in the brain;
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Ringing in the ears
- Lightheadedness
In cases of severe bleeding in the head, you may experience things like seizures, numbness in the fingers or toes, slurred speech, and dilation of the pupils.
Bleeding in the Joints or Muscles
Often, when people hear of joint or muscle injuries, they expect cuts, bruises, or scrapes. However, sometimes, trauma to joints or muscles can result in internal bleeding. The following are some of the symptoms to look out for that may indicate bleeding in the joints or muscles;
- Pain in the joints or muscles
- A decrease in the range of motion in the affected area
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
During your auto accident, you may have sustained blunt force to your abdomen or chest. If you did, there is a chance you might be experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. This form of internal bleeding happens in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal bleeding can manifest in two ways. First, you may experience obvious or overt symptoms such as black, tarry stool and blood in your vomit or stool. Second, if you are experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, you may experience occult or hidden symptoms. These are symptoms that are more difficult to connect outright with internal bleeding. They include fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.
Immediately you notice any signs of internal bleeding, make sure you see a doctor to prevent your condition from getting worse. In fact, it is advisable that you see a doctor if you suffered trauma to any body part in your accident.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you suffered an injury in an auto accident because of another party’s negligence, contact our London & Southeast Kentucky auto accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm for legal help. We can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve from the negligent party.
