Should You See a Neurologist After a Car Accident?

Injuries are common after car crashes, but what if you have serious injuries that need more than just rest and time? The sooner you get access to high-quality specialized care, the better your prognosis may be. Depending on the type of accident you were in and which types of symptoms you’re having, you may want to make an appointment with a neurologist.

Worried that your car accident injuries are going to leave you with stacks of medical bills and put you out of work? It’s time to find out if you are entitled to compensation. Call our Chatom office at 251-847-2237 or our Bay Minette office at 251-651-0483 to schedule a consultation with Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell.

Certain Symptoms Warrant a Neurologist’s Care

A neurologist provides specialized care for the brain. However, this doesn’t mean that only behavioral symptoms warrant neurological care. Brain injuries can manifest in a number of ways, and many physical symptoms may indicate a neurological injury. Some symptoms to watch out for include:

• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in localized parts of the body
• Slurred speech. Or speech that does not make sense
• Seizures and spasms
• Headaches or migraines that worsen with time
• Difficulty seeing
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sudden changes in behavior or personality

These symptoms may appear immediately after a car accident, or they may be more delayed. Either way, make it to a neurologist as soon as you can. You may want to start by going to a local hospital for a general check-over. Options include North Baldwin Infirmary and Washington County Hospital.

Types of Injuries That May Require Neurological Treatment

There are several types of injuries that a neurologist can diagnose or treat. Soft tissue injuries to the spine and neck can impact brain function, and they often require surgical treatment. Broken bones in the neck or back can also require neurological treatment, as these injuries may affect the blood supply to the central nervous system.

Any head injuries, including those resulting from hitting your head on a steering wheel or airbag, should also be treated by a neurologist. The brain is both very fragile and very flexible, and the sooner you begin treatment for an injury, the more likely your brain is to recover.

How a Neurologist Can Help

Neurologists are key in the early identification of head injuries. When a head injury is diagnosed, your neurologist can prescribe a plan of treatment and help get you back on the road to recovery. This is crucial for both your health and your personal injury claim. The sooner you reach the point of maximum medical improvement, the sooner you can begin pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses.

In some cases, your injury may be serious enough to require surgery. In these cases, a neurological surgeon will take over your care and help you prepare for the road ahead.

Plan on seeing a neurologist even after your injury has started to improve. Brain injuries can change from day to day, and your doctor will want to monitor your progress.

Compensation for Your Injuries

Why do many accident victims never see a doctor? They are worried about the cost of medical care, and no one wants thousands of dollars of medical bills showing up in the mail. That’s why it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney after a car accident.

If someone else is liable for the accident, they could be responsible to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. This is important after a brain injury, as treatment for TBIs can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The sooner you connect with our team of attorneys after a Bay Minette or Chatom crash, the more quickly we can start pursuing compensation from the liable party.

Start Your Claim with Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough & Howell

Ready to find out if you are owed compensation for your car accident? Our team is ready to talk to you and help you understand your options. Set up a time to talk now—just contact us online, call our Chatom office at 251-847-2237, or call our Bay Minette office at 251-651-0483.