Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death worldwide. In the United States alone, there are over six million car accidents each year, resulting in millions of injuries and tens of thousands of deaths. If your Roswell motor vehicle accident injury is minor, it can be treated with simple first aid. However, some car accident injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Here are the most common motor vehicle accident injuries;
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in motor vehicle accidents, particularly in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and then backward, causing damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck. After a whiplash, you may experience neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
2. Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or a jolt to the body. A concussion can cause headaches, confusion, memory loss, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. After a concussion, you need to rest and avoid physical and mental activities that could exacerbate symptoms.
3. Fractures
Fractures are a common injury in motor vehicle accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions. They can occur in any bone in the body but are most common in the limbs, ribs, and spine. If you have suffered a fracture, you may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb. The best treatment for fractures includes immobilization of the affected limb with a cast or splint. Also, surgery may be necessary in some cases to realign the bone and promote healing.
4. Lacerations
Lacerations, or cuts, are common injuries in motor vehicle accidents, particularly if a person is not wearing a seatbelt. They can occur on any part of the body and can range in severity from minor to severe. Treatment options include cleaning and closing the wound with sutures or staples; surgery may be necessary in some cases to repair underlying damage.
5. Burns
Burns are common injuries in motor vehicle accidents, especially if the vehicle catches fire. They can range in severity from minor to severe and can occur on any body part. Symptoms of a burn can include pain, redness, and blistering. Treating your burns injuries may involve cleaning and dressing the wound.
6. Spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injuries are serious injuries that can occur in motor vehicle accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions. They can result in permanent damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include loss of sensation and movement in the affected area of the body and chronic pain. After a spinal cord injury, your doctor may recommend rehabilitation and physical therapy. Also, surgery may be necessary for some circumstances to remove pressure on the spinal cord and promote healing.
Motor vehicle accidents can result in many injuries, from minor to severe. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, even if you don’t think you are injured. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term complications and promote a faster recovery.
Call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery to book your appointment for treatment of motor vehicle accident injuries.