When people think of a typical a car accident, they usually don’t think of internal injuries. Unfortunately, the potential for some form of internal organ damage does exist and the results could be very serious. In fact, if left untreated, they can even be fatal. Following a serious motor vehicle accident, any number of internal organs can be impacted in various ways. Some of the more common internal organs that can be affected include the lungs, liver, bladder, kidneys, spleen and brain. The resulting internal injuries could take the form of such things as brain damage, a torn spleen, fractured ribs or even punctured lungs.
Internal Organs
Internal injuries from a car accident include injuries to bowels, kidneys, the spleen, liver, lungs, heart or aorta. Fractured ribs are quite common and may also puncture lungs and other internal organs. Torn spleens are also a frequent injury and may require extensive hospitalization.
Upper limbs
Hands, forearms, arms, shoulders, wrists and fingers are often injured in car accidents as well. Fractures are typical and treatment generally involves splints and casts. Occasionally, such injuries will require surgery in addition to splinting and casting. Therapy may also be required for increasing reduced strength and range of motion.
Rotator cuff injuries are frequently caused by car accidents. MRI scans are often used to diagnosis rotator cuff tears but since these tests are costly doctors will typically not order them immediately after a car accident and will wait for completion of physical therapy before ordering an MRI. Severe shoulder injuries will require shoulder reconstruction.
Lower limbs
Hips, legs, knees, heels, ankles, and feet are also commonly damaged in car accidents. Achilles tendon injuries, ankle sprains, collateral ligament injuries and stress fractures are typical. Fractures of the pelvis, femur, patella, tibia, and ankle may require casting or surgery. For serious hip and knee injuries, total hip replacements or total knee arthroplasty may be necessary after a car accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries involving the internal organs are often caused by the impact of an auto accident, or by a broken rib that punctures an organ. Injuries can occur to the kidneys, liver, spleen, intestines, lungs, or heart, and may require extensive corrective surgery. In severe cases, certain internal injuries may lead to lifelong disability. Other injuries to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, may require plastic surgery to correct.
Spinal Cord Injury
Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injury (SCI). The effects of spinal cord injuries vary based on the location and severity of the damage. In auto accidents, SCI is most often caused by excessive pressure, bruising, and lacerations involving the spinal cord. When severe, spinal cord injuries can radically change the life of the victim, causing some degree of paralysis or loss of muscle function in various areas of the body.
Victims of spinal cord injury face extensive challenges to restore their quality of life, and may require long term physical and occupational therapy, attendant care, pain medications, prosthetics, and more. Additionally, more than 30 percent of spinal cord injury patients require hospital admission every year for surgery, infections, respiratory complications, and other medical issues.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Car accidents are also one of the main causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI). During auto accidents, TBIs are caused either by a concussion when the victim’s head hits the inside of the vehicle, or from a serious whiplash injury that damages the brain tissues. Short and long term symptoms can include an altered state or loss of consciousness, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, loss of smell, hearing, or taste sensations, speech problems, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and an increased sensitivity to light, noise, or movement. Even with years of rehabilitation and therapy, a person suffering from a traumatic brain injury may still require daily attendant care and life long medical treatments. The financial costs can be overwhelming for both the victims and their families.
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