There are many different types of car accident injuries that can last a lifetime and are often overlooked. Damage to your nervous system can be just as debilitating as any visible injury such as a fracture and can require a lengthy amount of time to heal. Internal and nonvisible injuries such as nerve damage usually are felt days following the initial accident, well after the adrenaline and confusion have worn off. Therefore, it is always recommended to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident, whether you feel you are injured or not. Nerve damage that is left untreated will only get worse and can lead to more serious injuries or even permanent disability.
What Are the Types of Nerves?
The nervous system is very important to the human body, sending electrical impulses back and forth between the brain and organs so that everything functions properly. There are three different types of nerves, each playing a major role in how the body operates:
- Motor. Motor nerves send signals from the brain to different muscle groups that allow us to move, walk, or perform any other movement.
- Autonomic. These groups of nerves control internal functions of the body, such as our heart rate or respiratory system; these are involuntary functions.
- Sensory. Sensory nerves send signals from our organs to the brain to tell us when something is hot or cold, or any other signal that involves the senses.
Even the slightest damage to any of these nerves can lead to adverse health issues, ranging from numbness and pain to full impairment or immobility.
What Causes Nerve Damage?
Generally, nerve damage can occur whenever a nerve loses the ability to send its signal, whether it be from interference from a bone, a misaligned disk in the spine, or if the nerve is severed completely. Car accident injuries can likely lead to nerve damage mostly because of the impact and nature of a collision. Injuries such as the following may occur:
- Whiplash. A common injury suffered in an accident, whiplash occurs when the neck or head jolts back and forth from the impact while the body is restrained. The nerves in the neck are then damaged and stretched.
- Blunt-force trauma. This type of injury leads to compressed nerves, particularly if trauma is caused to the spinal cord, back, or neck. Bones in the spine can press against nerves and compress them, preventing communication throughout the body.
- Lacerations. Any type of cut or lacerations can cause signal loss in the nerves, where the nerve fibers are severed. Depending on severity, nerve lacerations may regrow over time or may need surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Nerve Damage?
Because nerve injuries are not visible and may get worse over time, victims who suffer nerve damage often must pay attention to their bodies more frequently and report any issues to their doctor right away. Some symptoms of nerve damage include:
- Numbness or tingling sensation in limbs
- Prickling feeling
- Loss of senses
- Sensitive to light or touch
- Muscle weakness or muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Twitching
- Paralysis
- Cognitive issues
- Mental illnesses
- Confusion
How Is Nerve Damage Treated?
It is imperative to seek medical help immediately following an accident. Furthermore, you should discuss with the doctor what happened in the accident or where the vehicle was hit so they may properly assess you.
Any injury can take time to reveal itself, particularly nerve damage. A doctor can properly diagnose a nerve injury and can provide treatment or advice on the next course of action. There are specialists they may recommend for you to see who can further diagnose a nerve injury, such as a neurologist. A doctor may recommend physical therapy or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Accident Victims Following a Nerve Injury
Car accidents can happen at any moment and can be life altering; they can lead to numerous medical bills and painful injuries that could seemingly last a lifetime. A nerve injury is just one of many injuries you could suffer that could lead to a disability if not properly treated. If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage or has been injured in a car accident, reach out to the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will go over each detail in your case and get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, DC, we work with car accident victims in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, and Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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