You were recently in a catastrophic motor incident. You were examined by paramedics and they concluded that you sustained major injuries. The paramedics weren’t able to give a full analysis, but they did notice you’re suffering injuries to the head and spine – some of the most common places to experience trauma.
Car accidents happen so frequently that many injuries become common – so common it may only take a few symptoms to diagnose your medical condition. Here are a few injuries you should know about:
- Ruptured disk
Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a cushioned disk filled with liquids that prevent each bone from rubbing up against the other. These disks can tear and leak if they suffer too much pressure – almost like stepping on a ketchup packet.
When a disk bursts or leaks, it’s considered a ruptured or herniated disk. A ruptured disk can cause back pain and muscle weakness, making it hard for people to move around, sit down or bend over.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder frequently occurs in people who’ve experienced a traumatic, often life-changing event, such as people who’ve gone to war or were threatened with death. In some cases, people who’ve been in car accidents can experience PTSD. PTSD often impairs a person’s normal functions, leading to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other psychological disabilities.
- Whiplash
Many kinds of auto accidents cause victims to forcefully shake back and forth, causing a medical condition called whiplash. When the body shakes violently from whiplash, the head, spine and shoulder can be strained. Some whiplash victims may only experience temporary injuries, while others may develop life-long disabilities.
- Paraplegia
Airbags frequently only protect the upper torso, so the lower body and spine may be exposed to serious injuries. When people experience spine trauma or nerve damage from an auto accident, they may lose some or all of the feeling in certain parts of their body, limiting motor functions. People who can’t feel or use the lower half of their body may be suffering from a form of paralysis called paraplegia.
You shouldn’t let your injuries stop you from recovering from your medical bills and losses. You may need to reach out for legal help when suffering injuries after an auto accident.