Why You Need To Know The Signs of Internal Bleeding Immediately After a Car Crash
Internal bleeding is a serious, silent injury that can happen after a car accident and is one of the many car accident injuries that can have delayed or hard-to-detect symptoms. Unlike visible wounds, internal injuries can get worse over time and become life-threatening if not treated right away. Knowing the symptoms early and getting medical help right away is key for anyone involved in an accident. Working with an Atlanta car accident doctor can make all the difference as they are trained to recognize the subtle signs of internal trauma and treat it to prevent bad outcomes.
In this blog, we’ll go over the signs of internal bleeding to look for after a car accident and what to do if you think you have this silent injury.
Types of Internal Injuries From Car Accidents
Internal injuries from a motor vehicle accident can be serious and often go undetected until they become life-threatening. Here are the most common types of internal injuries from car accidents and what they can cause.
Organ Damage
High-impact collisions can cause injuries to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. These organs in the abdomen and chest are more susceptible to trauma. For example, the spleen can rupture or the liver can tear, both of which can cause internal bleeding. Organ damage may not always show symptoms right away but symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, and signs of shock should get you to the hospital right away. In severe cases, organ damage can lead to serious internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Ruptured Blood Vessels
A sudden impact can rupture blood vessels and cause an internal bleeding injury that can quickly become hypovolemic shock where the body loses too much blood. This can reduce oxygen to vital organs and increase the risk of organ failure and death. In car accidents blood vessels usually rupture in areas that are directly hit like the abdomen or chest so diagnosis and treatment is key.
Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
Pneumothorax or a collapsed lung can happen when a rib breaks and punctures the lung, often from a forceful impact or blunt trauma. This causes sharp chest pain, difficulty breathing, and rapid heart rate. If left untreated a collapsed lung can cause respiratory distress and further complications like tension pneumothorax where air builds up in the chest and compromises cardiac function. If left untreated, a collapsed lung can cause respiratory distress and further health complications.
Abdominal Aorta Rupture
One of the most serious internal injuries is an abdominal aorta rupture which is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower part of the body. This type of injury can happen from severe trauma to the abdomen and can cause rapid blood loss and shock. Symptoms may include severe abdominal or back pain, pulsating sensation in the abdomen, and signs of shock like clammy skin and fainting. Since this is a fatal injury, prompt medical help is crucial to survival and to prevent serious health complications.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are common car accident injuries caused by a sudden jolt or blunt force to the head. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory issues, and mood changes. Some TBIs may not show symptoms right away but can cause long-term cognitive and physical disabilities. Get medical help right away even if symptoms seem minor to prevent permanent brain injury.
Symptoms to Look Out For After a Car Accident
Recognizing the symptoms of internal bleeding after a car accident is key as some symptoms can be subtle or delayed. Here are the symptoms to watch out for that could mean serious internal harm.
Abdominal Pain and Tenderness
Persistent or severe abdominal pain after a car accident can be one of the internal bleeding symptoms, indicating organ damage, especially to the liver, spleen, or intestines. This pain can be localized or spread across the abdomen and tenderness may develop over time as internal bleeding progresses. Abdominal pain should not be ignored especially if it worsens or is accompanied by nausea or dizziness.
Unexplained Bruising and Swelling
Bruising especially deep bruising in the torso, abdomen or sides can mean bleeding beneath the skin or in the muscles. Swelling may accompany bruising and often means internal bleeding or tissue injury especially if it develops in areas that were not visibly injured. Both symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor as they may be signs of more serious internal trauma. In some cases, individuals have suffered internal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
Dizziness, Weakness, or Fainting
After a car accident dizziness, extreme weakness or fainting can be from internal bleeding that lowers blood pressure. This bleeding even if slow can deprive the brain and other organs of oxygen and cause these symptoms. Dizziness or fainting after an accident should not be ignored as it can mean life-threatening bleeding and requires urgent care. Car accident victims need to seek immediate medical attention to address potential internal injuries and ensure proper treatment.
Fast Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath
A rapid or irregular heartbeat means the body is trying to compensate for lost blood volume. If combined with shortness of breath or chest pain these symptoms can mean internal bleeding in the chest or around the lungs. Shortness of breath especially can mean a collapsed lung or rib injury, leading to serious internal bleeding, so it’s important to get medical help right away.
Blood in Urine or Stools
Blood in the urine or stools can mean an internal bleeding injury in the kidneys, bladder, or gastrointestinal tract. Dark tarry stools mean bleeding higher in the digestive system while bright red blood in stools or urine means trauma to the lower digestive or urinary system. This symptom should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible to determine the source and severity of the injury.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Internal Bleeding
If you suspect internal bleeding after a car accident, every minute counts. Internal injuries can rapidly deteriorate, and quick action can be the difference between full recovery and serious complications. Here’s what you need to do immediately:
- Call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately
- Do not eat or drink anything (in case emergency surgery is needed)
- Avoid taking pain medication that could mask symptoms or thin your blood
- Stay as still as possible to prevent worsening the injury
- Monitor your symptoms and report any changes to medical personnel
- Follow up with a car accident doctor even if ER tests seem clear
Suspect Internal Bleeding? Get Immediate Care By Being Seen By Professionals
If you’ve been in a car crash and suspect you may be suffering from internal injuries, car accident victims should not wait—early detection and treatment are vital. Work with our team at Hurt911® to connect with experienced medical professionals who can guide you through the recovery process. Contact us by calling 404-687-9000, or filling out our online form to schedule an appointment today!
