Internal injuries are very problematic after something like a catastrophic car accident. They can sometimes go overlooked because there’s not clear exterior evidence of someone’s physical harm. But they can be very serious. In fact, it is technically possible for someone to pass away merely from internal bleeding, even though it’s not clear to those around them that they are bleeding out.
So how do you know if you have suffered these types of internal injuries and need immediate medical attention? It is always best to seek medical care after a crash, as physicians are the ones who can make an appropriate diagnosis and examine your symptoms. But there are also some potential signs that you can watch for so that you better know how to react.
Symptoms you may experience
Every injury is different and, again, it’s best to talk to a medical professional. But here are some symptoms you may note if you are experiencing significant internal bleeding:
- Severe weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Localized weakness, such as on only one side of your body
- Feeling faint or even passing out
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
In many ways, this can feel similar to a heart attack. But the location of the bleeding also plays a significant role. For example, if the internal bleeding is in your head, headaches are much more common, as is a loss of consciousness. Your overall cognition and alertness could change, and you may have problems with hearing or vision. But if you have internal bleeding in your chest or abdomen, you may be more likely to experience nausea, to have blood in your urine, to have chest pain or to experience shortness of breath. So, your symptoms can be helpful in that they can help to tell you where the injury may be located.
Do you deserve compensation?
These types of injuries can have a drastic impact on your life and may be very expensive to treat. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence – if they caused a car accident that led directly to your injuries, for example – be sure you know how to pursue financial compensation by seeking legal guidance promptly.