Traffic accidents and their resulting injuries are an unfortunate part of modern society. In many cases, victims suffer injuries that may not become evident for hours, days or weeks after the accident. Even if a person walks away from an incident with no indication of trauma, an undiagnosed injury can be very serious or even fatal.

There are several reasons for delays in symptoms of accident-related injuries. Initially, there is “adrenaline masking.” The body releases adrenaline in response to highly dangerous or exciting circumstances — auto accidents included. This hormone is not a pain killer and does not actually mask symptoms of injury or trauma. However, it is highly distractive and causes people to focus on the event rather than the pain. As the adrenaline rush naturally subsides, the pain intensifies in the victim’s awareness.

Some types of injury take additional time to manifest. For example, internal bleeding can result in clots that only become evident after the blockage becomes significantly large. Other injuries that initially seem like minor aches and pains can worsen as the body reacts to the trauma. Many injuries cannot heal naturally and can worsen over time without medical intervention.

Some types of injuries for which there is often delayed manifestation of symptoms include:

• Whiplash — This is a common motor vehicle injury resulting from the violent back-and-forth movement of the head and neck in a collision. Whiplash can remain asymptomatic for days.
• Concussion — This is internal head trauma from impact forces. Concussions can be very serious or even deadly and can take several hours to manifest.
• Internal injury (bleeding) — Internal bleeding is associated with multiple types of trauma and can take days become symptomatic.
• Clots — These can be caused by internal bleeding resulting from trauma and can take days or weeks to grow to a size that affects the injured person.
• Back injuries — The skeletal system, especially the neck and spine, are complex and delicate. Back pain may take time to worsen as interconnected tissues and structures react to the injury.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — Many accidents are psychologically disturbing to those involved. Long after the accident, a victim may begin to suffer stress and anxiety by mentally reliving the traumatic events. PTSD-related illness or incapacity may take weeks or months to affect the person involved.

Anyone involved in an auto accident should seek immediate medical attention and schedule a follow-up visit with a physician who can structure a battery of tests for possible hidden injuries.

Hope & Causey is one of the most highly respected and experienced personal injury firms in the Houston area. If you or a family member has been injured in a Texas motor vehicle accident, feel free to contact us online or call 936-441-4673 for an initial consultation.