should I see a neurologist after an accident?

Neurological Issues from a Car Accident

During a car accident, the body endures an enormous amount of trauma and force. This can have an impact on every part of your body and even extend to neurological issues. Neurological issues have the capacity to leave you with physical limitations for the rest of your life, which is why it’s so important to seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident. Prompt identification, treatment, and follow-up can make a huge difference.

Wondering what your next step is after a car accident? The team at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell is here to help. Call us at our Chatom office at 251-336-3411 or our Bay Minette office at 251-336-3697 to schedule a consultation right away.

Physical Trauma and Neurological Damage

Neurological injuries come in many forms, and these are often triggered by the physical trauma caused by a car accident. Consider, for example, a traumatic brain injury. This is one of the most common types of neurological injuries caused by car crashes.

In a car crash, the body can be thrown back and forth violently in the car. It can also endure enormous strain when it hits the limits of the seatbelt and bounces back. In some cases, this force is enough to cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. This leads to swelling, bleeding, and bruising, which can leave victims with serious traumatic brain injuries.

Other types of neurological injuries are also the result of physical force. The spinal cord is a core part of the nervous system, and any trauma suffered by the spinal nerves can lead to neurological injuries.

Neurological Conditions Caused by Car Accidents

There are several types of injuries that may be caused by a car accident. They include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: While many injuries are the result of the brain hitting the inside of the skull, TBIs may also happen after a penetrative injury. For example, an object that becomes airborne during a crash can pierce the skull and brain, causing damage to that part of the brain. The extent of the damage depends on which part of the brain is affected and how long the patient goes without oxygen to the brain.
  • Neuropathy: Neuropathy is a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system. It happens when the nerves are crushed, compressed, or completely severed.
  • Radiculopathy: Another neurological condition that may arise out of a car accident is radiculopathy, which occurs when the nerves of the spine are crushed, compressed, or otherwise damaged.

Signs of Neurological Damage

Each type of neurological damage causes distinct symptoms. Traumatic brain injuries can be particularly difficult to distinguish since they can impact every part of the brain. For example, someone with significant trauma to the part of the brain that controls reasoning and emotional regulation may experience rapid emotional changes, inappropriate outbursts, and fits of rage. On the other hand, someone with damage to the occipital lobe may have difficulty seeing, perceiving differences in color, and communicating what they can see.

Neuropathy causes numbness, prickling, jabbing pain, and tingling in the affected extremities. Part of this is not being able to feel temperature changes. Victims may also experience muscle weakness in the affected area.

Radiculopathy often presents with the same symptoms as neuropathy, but it generally affects the back, arms, shoulders, and legs. Victims often also experience significant weakness and pain in the neck.

Getting Treatment and Compensation

Treatment is crucial for any type of neurological issue. In fact, the prognosis for these conditions often depends largely on how quickly a patient receives treatment and how aggressive their treatment plan is.

Of course, treating a condition like this isn’t inexpensive. If someone else is liable for your injuries, you must seek compensation to cover your expenses. A personal injury claim can help fight for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related expenses.

We’re Here to Help—Contact Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell Now

If you or someone you love has experienced a neurological injury after a car crash, don’t wait any longer to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Let’s sit down and talk about your next steps. Call us at our Chatom office at 251-336-3411 or our Bay Minette office at 251-336-3697 or send us a message online to get started.

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