If you’re lucky then you might manage to walk away from a car accident without serious injuries. Unfortunately, this is often not what happens. Every year in the US thousands of individuals suffer serious injuries after a road traffic collision, with some of them being fatal.
One of the most severe injuries a person can suffer from is damage to the spinal cord. The symptoms of this condition can vary, with some being more obvious than others. Outlined below are some of the more common symptoms to be aware of.
Obvious symptoms
The most obvious sign that you have suffered damage to your spinal cord is if your back and neck area are in immense pain. Your neck and back may be twisted in an unusual manner, which points to a potentially serious injury. Obviously, if this is the case, then you need to seek immediate medical attention. You may also notice that it has become more difficult to breathe.
More subtle signs
Serious injuries do not necessarily always display immediate symptoms. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can be more subtle and they may take days to become fully noticeable. Your hands, feet, toes and fingers may lose all sensation, including the ability to feel cold and hot temperatures.
After any road traffic collision, it is vital that you receive urgent medical care whether or not serious injuries are immediately apparent. This will help you to recover. If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another party, you should also consider looking into your legal options.