7 Red Flags After A MVA Accident
Dressing for Winter Cold!
December 10, 2025
The Pains in Positioning
December 10, 2025
Seven Red Flags Following a Car Accident
A motor vehicle accident (MVA) instantly floods the body with a unique hormone that can often mask pain and hides injuries for days. What initially feels like typical stiffness can quickly turn into more serious long-term problems if ignored. At Chambers Medical Group, we specialize in helping MVA patients know the symptoms that cannot be ignored. I am Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated medical doctor care teams in Kentucky, and I will discuss some of the issues that need evaluated immediately.
- Unrelenting Headache
If your headache keeps getting stronger, feels unlike your usual headaches, or worsens with movement, bright light, or loud noise, get checked right away. This could mean a concussion, a neck injury, or bleeding around the brain (rarer). It is something you are going to need help with so do not wait to get checked.
- Extremity Tingling/Numbness/Weakness
These are classic signs of nerve irritation, compression, a disc herniation, or even spinal-cord irritation. Tingling that travels down one arm or leg, or new weakness in your hand or legs means you have something pressing on a nerve and you likely need advanced imaging.
- Severe or Shooting Neck/Back Pain
If you hurt so bad you cannot fall asleep, pain keeps waking you up at night or is worse in the morning, then it is time to be seen. Pain that shoots down an arm or leg can be a sign of a damaged disc or joint injury.
- Abdominal Pain, Bruising, Bladder Changes
A seat-belt mark across the stomach or chest that is sore to touch can hide bruising from different organs like the liver, spleen, pancreas, or intestines. Pain along the left side or that radiates up into the shoulder should also be examined immediately for possible spleen damage. Any change in your bowel or bladder habits could also pose a larger problem and should be addressed ASAP.
- Dizziness, Confusion, or Memory Problems
Feeling scatter brained, asking the same questions repeatedly, or difficulty following a basic conversation can be a huge red flag for mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Concussion symptoms can appear days following an MVA and can also show up as normal on a head CT. It is important to get these symptoms addressed by a specialist that has worked with MTBI quickly.
- Vision Changes or Ringing in the Ears
Blurry vision, double vision, or constant ear ringing (tinnitus) after whiplash suggests brain irritation, an inner-ear problem, or post-concussion effects. These may need a neurologist or ENT follow up so having an initial evaluation is important for proper referrals.
- Any Loss of Consciousness
Even getting knocked out for a few seconds means the brain was jolted hard enough to shut down for that period of time. It could trigger a whole other level of traumatic brain injury that may require activity restrictions or job restrictions.
If any of these symptoms appear following an MVA then get yourself evaluated by a healthcare professional. If your PCP cannot see you, find an urgent care or go to the ER. If your symptoms are worsening fast just go to the ER so they can get you proper imaging. If you live near a Chambers Medical Group, they can usually see you the same day. They are experienced in finding injuries following a motor vehicle and can get you the help you need.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, 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 Kentucky.
