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Should You See a Neurologist After a Car Accident?

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Doctors specializing in injuries and disorders affecting the spinal cord, brain, and surrounding muscles and nerves are known as neurologists. You may want to consider visiting these specialists if you were involved in a car accident even if you missed out on getting checked by them initially. You should never ignore the signs of nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, or a spinal cord injury following an auto accident.

In absence of proper treatment, these symptoms will only become worse with time. Untreated neurological conditions can result in debilitating pain and discomfort. These injuries may also manifest as degenerative and traumatic conditions that affect your ability to perform regular, everyday functions.

Signs That You Should Visit a Neurologist after an Injury

It is true that spine and brain injuries don’t always present obvious symptoms. These injuries are, in fact, one of the most common hidden injuries in a car accident. They can easily get masked by the initial shock of the accident and go undiagnosed. The type of doctor you need to visit following a vehicle accident depends on the type of injury suffered. However, a large majority of victims are not sure which doctor to visit for certain symptoms.

Many people tend to attribute their pain to the bruises and bumps of the crash. They don’t realize just how severely they are injured. You need to be diligent and observe the little changes happening in your body.

It is important for injury victims to be aware of their healing process and look for the appearance of new symptoms and pain. These are a few symptoms that should make you schedule an appointment with the neurologist:

  • Pain that worsens with activity
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Fainting or feelings of weakness
  • Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
  • Numbness or tingling in the body

There are several other symptoms, such as memory loss and light sensitivity among others that you should keep a lookout for.

Importance of Visiting a Neurologist

Head injuries are common following accidents. You need to seek medical treatment following vehicle accidents. Head and spinal injuries are common following motor crashes. You may have sustained something minor, such as a concussion or a more serious head injury.

Closed head injuries may not show any outward signs of injury to an amateur. However, you may suffer internal bleeding. Neurologists can treat injuries and impairments affecting the spinal cord and brain that may compromise the central nervous system. You may get referred to a primary care doctor by a neurologist if you experience symptoms suggesting neurological issues.

Neurologists are medical specialists, and they will conduct a thorough physical examination. They may even order diagnostic tests for determining the cause of your symptoms. They may order imaging tests for determining whether there are any injuries in the nerves, bones, spinal column, or spinal discs.

The surgeon may order an electroencephalograph if they suspect a brain injury is recording electrical activity within the brain. This will allow them to assess brain function.

The neurologist will develop a plan for treating the injury after coming up with a diagnosis. Most neurological conditions caused by car accidents can be treated without any permanent impairment.

Neurological Conditions Resulting from Vehicle Accidents

These are a few different types of neurological damage seen in car accident victims:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Concussions
  • Sprains and whiplash (including associated soft tissue injuries)
  • Neck cuts and lacerations
  • Facet joint injuries
  • Pinched nerves
  • Neck, spine, or skull fractures
  • Cerebral contusions or concussions
  • Slipped or herniated disc
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Radiculopathy
  • Acute mechanical back pain

There are several other injuries that can occur because of an accident. You should not delay visiting a neurologist or speaking with an attorney.

Speak with a Highly Rated Neurological Injury Attorney Today

Head or spinal injury or any other types of nerve injuries sustained in an auto accident can have devastating consequences. These injuries are also likely to cost a lot in terms of recovery, rehab, and medical bills. The attorneys at John H. Ruby & Associates can help you recover adequate and fair compensation from the at-fault parties.

It can be difficult for you to deal with the aftermath of an injury on your own. Allow our capable car accident attorneys to negotiate with the insurance companies and pursue a lawsuit if necessary. Schedule an initial confidential consultation with a knowledgeable attorney today. Call (502) 895-2626 or write to us online.