Damage or injury to the body’s nervous system occurs in some car accidents. Since nerves carry messages and signals to the body, nerve injury can lead to a lifetime of pain and complications.
If you have unusual or unexplained symptoms after suffering injuries in a car crash, you could be suffering from nerve damage. Consider seeking another medical assessment to ensure that your accident claim addresses all your crash-related injuries.
How do nerve injuries occur?
Diseases, lifestyle and drug use can contribute to (or cause) nerve injury and damage. However, traumatic injuries suffered in vehicle accidents can also lead to nerve injuries. For example, if a part of the body gets crushed or compressed in a crash, one or more nerves could suffer damage.
What are the symptoms?
It depends on the severity of the injury and the involved nerves. If your autonomic nerves suffer damage, your symptoms may include the inability to feel chest pain, bladder dysfunction or sweating (too little or too much). Autonomic nerve damage can also affect your ability to have intimate relations.
When sensory nerves become injured, some possible symptoms include pain, numbness, burning and tingling. You may also experience problems with your ability to perceive body movement and position accurately.
If your motor nerves suffer damage, you will likely experience muscle atrophy, growing weakness and involuntary twitching. Serious motor nerve injuries could also lead to paralysis.
Always get a medical opinion after a car accident. If you continue experiencing pain or other symptoms, go back to your physician for a more thorough assessment. Identifying all the injuries you suffered in the crash helps you seek financial compensation that is fair and proportionate to the harm you suffered.