What Are Signs of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause many types of injuries, some which may be internal. It may be easy for the average person to recognize injuries such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones, but damages inside the body can be more difficult to recognize – and they may have long-term consequences.

Nerve damage can cause serious problems for patients, such as restricting mobility and dulling other functions. Though these injuries can be severe for the victim, timely treatment will allow two-thirds of patients to make full or near-full recoveries. Recognizing the signs of nerve damage after a car accident is an important skill for any person to have.

The human nervous system has two major components: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for maintaining most major functions in the body. The peripheral nervous system consists of the millions of other nerves throughout the body.

The nerves in the peripheral nervous system are what allow us to feel, move, and control many other functions of our bodies. Nerve damage can affect these functions, making victims lose feeling, the ability to move, or create difficulty with other physical tasks. Nerves are fragile and can suffer damage through pressure, stretching, or cutting.

Any kind of nerve damage can occur in a car accident. One of the most common injuries that lead to nerve damage is whiplash. The rapid motion of the neck can both pinch and stretch nerves past their limits. Collisions against objects in cars, such as steering wheels and seat belts can also put pressure on nerves, compressing them.

Lacerations in crashes can lead to nerve damage. Depending on the depth of the wound, a laceration may also cut through a nerve ending. When severed, a nerve will lose most of its functions and can necessitate lifestyle changes for the victim. Any type of nerve damage can prevent signals from reaching the brain, which can lead to impaired movement.

You can recognize nerve damage after a car crash if you experience:

If you have any of these symptoms, immediately report them to a medical professional. Fast treatment can greatly reduce the impact of nerve damage. Do not ignore any injury after a car accident.

The exact type of treatment for nerve damage depends on the type and severity of the injury. A doctor will diagnose the type of damage and recommend treatment. Physical therapy can help victims return to their full level of functionality for minor injuries.

More severe injuries require surgery, especially in cases of lacerations. The more extensive nerve damage is, the less likely it will be for a victim to recover full functionality. Older injuries are also harder to treat. Recognizing your symptoms and receiving immediate treatment provides the best chance for recovery.

If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage due to a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the Houston personal injury attorneys at Gordon, Elias, & Seely LLP for a free consultation about your next steps. Your Texas personal injury lawyers can help you recover damages for this potentially extensive type of injury, making it easier for you to recover. Contact us today to see how we can put our experience to work for you.

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