Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident

Delayed Injuries After a Car Accident

Injuries following a car accident can be very evident such as a broken bone, skin abrasions, or bleeding. However, some injuries may have delayed symptoms due to various factors involved in the body’s response to trauma. The biggest reason injuries can manifest after a period of time is related to adrenaline and shock. Dr. Deryk Harting, a skilled chiropractor at Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated auto injury medical care facilities on Florida’s west coast, discusses delayed injuries after a car accident.

Various stress hormones can be released when the human body is involved in a traumatic car accident. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. The hormone is released in response to stress or danger and triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response. The sudden impact and danger associated with a car accident stimulate the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. Epinephrine plays a crucial role in preventing or managing shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by inadequate blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, leading to organ dysfunction and potentially death. Epinephrine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration which delivers more oxygen and glucose to muscles and the brain to enhance physical and mental performance. This heightened state of alertness and stimulation helps individuals react quickly to an emergency. Another characteristic of epinephrine is its ability to suppress pain. This analgesic effect helps individuals to temporarily tolerate or ignore injuries sustained during an accident. As a result, they may not immediately feel pain or other injury symptoms. This effect can last hours but as hormone levels return to baseline, symptoms and pain may begin to arise.

Here are other common conditions that can be delayed following a car accident:

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries often involve damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other connective tissues. In some cases, it may take hours or even days for the body’s inflammatory response to fully develop. Inflammation is a natural response to tissue damage, causing swelling, redness, and pain. Delayed onset of inflammation can result in delayed symptoms of soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries are also caused by whiplash. This is a common injury mechanism in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, where the head is jerked backward and then forward. While symptoms of whiplash can appear immediately, they may also develop gradually over days. Neck pain, stiffness, headaches are typical symptoms of whiplash that may arise days after the accident.
• Concussions: The initial impact in a car accident can cause the brain to jolt within the skull, leading to a concussion. Concussion symptoms may not present until hours or days after the initial injury. This delayed onset can occur due to various factors such as the gradual accumulation of metabolic changes and neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. As these changes progress, individuals may begin to experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, light or noise sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating. Sometimes individuals may not immediately recognize or acknowledge concussion symptoms, especially if they are mild or subtle. Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, or brain fog may be dismissed as normal mood swings. Consequently, the extent of a concussion may not be realized until symptoms become more severe or persist longer as the brain’s response to injury unfolds. This gradual progression can lead to delayed recognition of concussion and its associated symptoms.
• Concealed Injuries: Some injuries to organs or other internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding, organ damage, or even fractures may not produce noticeable symptoms until hours or days after the accident as the body’s inflammatory response kicks in. Soft tissue injuries can also be concealed by more immediate and severe injuries like a bone fracture.
• -Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: Individuals may experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) due to sudden and unexpected physical exertion or tension during a car accident. DOMS typically occurs 24 to 72 hours after strenuous physical activities and can manifest as muscle stiffness, tenderness, spasm, and decreased range of motion.

In summary, it is crucial to seek medical attention following a car accident due to the potential for delayed or masked symptoms. Adrenaline released during the accident can mask symptoms initially and postpone the recognition of soft tissue damage, concussions, or internal injuries. Seeking medical evaluation promptly allows for early detection and treatment of injuries which can prevent complications and promote optimal recovery. Even minor symptoms should not be ignored, as they might indicate more serious underlying conditions.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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