If you were involved in a bicycle accident, you should come to our Atlanta injury center to get full diagnostic tests and start treatment. You may believe that you’ve only suffered a few scratches and bruises. But an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test may uncover many dangerous hidden injuries.
Our doctors know how to interpret these tests and make sure that you receive proper treatment for your injuries. Here are the most common hidden injuries in bike accidents which can be identified with MRI:
1. Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is a life-threatening injury if it is not promptly treated. It is caused by the rupture of blood vessels inside the body due to the sudden impact caused by a car hitting your bicycle.
It is important to recognize the first symptoms of internal bleeding as soon as possible and come to our injury clinic to have the diagnostic confirmed:
- Abdominal pain
- Bruising and swelling around the chest and abdomen area
- Weakness and dizziness
- Confusion and altered mental state
- Blood in stool
Ideally, you should not wait until you feel these symptoms, but come to our clinic immediately after the accident.
2. Knee Joint Injury
MRI is very effective in identifying one of the most common injuries after a bike crash: knee joint injury. This type of injury does not show up in a simple X-ray, because the tendons and ligaments in the knee are not visible in this type of imaging test.
However, MRI can identify even micro-tears in the ligaments, allowing our doctors to recommend the proper course of treatment or refer you for surgery. Identifying knee joint injury in the early stages is essential for making a full recovery, especially if you are a professional athlete.
3. Back and Spine Injuries
Many cyclists learn how to fall in order to protect their back from injury. But there is no way of preparing for the fall when you are hit by a car from behind. Many cyclists arrive at our Atlanta injury center with severe back and spine injuries.
Some of these injuries involve:
- Strained muscles and ligaments
- Bulging disc
- Fractured vertebrae
- Spinal cord injury
One of the most severe types of injuries of this kind is cervical spine injuries (CSI). According to specialists, bicycle accidents are the second most common causes of CSI, preceded only by falls.
4. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Wearing a bicycle helmet is essential to protect your head from severe injuries in case of accidents. However, even a helmet cannot offer complete protection when you are violently thrown off your bike by a car.
MRI can detect even hidden head injuries, such as traumatic brain injury. This type of trauma affects the brain matter and can be fatal or result in permanent disability if it is not treated promptly.
5. Internal Organ Damage
Internal organ damage after a bicycle accident is usually caused by a broken rib which can in turn injure major internal organs. Some of the most common types of organ damage detected by MRI are:
- Ruptured spleen
- Pancreas injury
- Liver injury
- Lung injury
- Kidney injury
Let the Imaging Specialists at Our Atlanta Injury Center Diagnose You!
Bicycle accidents can result in many types of severe injuries which are not visible to the eye. Many of these injuries can be life threatening if they are not properly treated. This is why you should come to our Atlanta injury center as soon as possible after the crash and let our imaging specialists perform MRI and other necessary diagnostic tests.
Call 1-800-HURT911 immediately after your accident and let us know you are arriving soon!
