Car crashes, falls and other traumatic events can leave you shaken and confused. While immediate pain and visible injuries are hard to ignore, there’s another danger to be aware of: spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
SCIs can sometimes manifest at first as subtle symptoms that emerge hours or even days after the accident. Recognizing these subtle signs can be crucial for getting the timely medical attention needed to minimize long-term damage.
What is a spinal cord injury (SCI)?
The spinal cord is a cluster of nerves that convey messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, these messages can be disrupted, leading to a loss of function or sensation in the parts of the body served by the injured nerves.
Subtle symptoms of SCI to watch for after a crash
After a crash, it’s common to experience some numbness or tingling due to swelling or temporary nerve irritation. However, if the numbness or tingling persists, worsens or spreads to new areas, especially in your arms, legs or around your torso, it could be a sign of a spinal cord injury.
Following a crash, muscle soreness and stiffness are expected. However, if you experience persistent weakness or difficulty controlling your limbs, especially on one side of your body, it’s important to seek medical attention. This could be a sign of nerve damage from an SCI.
Balance and coordination issues can arise from various factors after a crash, including dizziness or head injuries. But if you experience a new onset of clumsiness, difficulty walking or a feeling of imbalance that doesn’t improve with rest, it could be related to an SCI.
The spinal cord plays a crucial role in controlling bladder and bowel function. If you experience difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, leaking urine or stool or an urgent need to urinate but are unable to do so, these could be signs of an SCI.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially after a car crash or other traumatic event, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of SCIs can significantly improve the chances of recovery and minimize long-term complications. Furthermore, you can benefit from getting personalized legal guidance as you pursue compensation for your injuries from at-fault parties.