Car accidents are an all too real part of life, both dangerous and frightening. Just like the accidents themselves, some injuries are more severe than others. Whether the accident is a minor fender bender or a head-on collision, it is important to see your primary care provider as soon as possible after an accident to be evaluated.
During traumatic events, hormones such as adrenaline are released into the body. Adrenaline is your body’s natural reaction to stress, in order to provide you with strength and stamina to escape whatever danger (real or perceived) you are facing. Neurotransmitters including endorphins are also released to keep you calm under times of great stress.
Both of these natural reactions are designed to aid in survival. They allow you to fight or flee in times of great danger. However, in doing so they greatly reduce feelings of pain and send you into a euphoric state, similar to being in shock. This is often the reason so many people decline being evaluated by their family medicine provider. They really are “feeling fine” and assume that if there is no pain, there must not be any injuries. But once those euphoric feelings start to wear off, injuries can start to present themselves. This can be hours or even days after an accident. The most common injuries caused by car accidents are whiplash and concussions.
With whiplash, you may feel pain in your neck, shoulders, upper back, and even tingling and burning sensations in those areas. Whiplash can present itself immediately or in the days following an accident.
Concussions can cause dizziness, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Again, these symptoms can be present right away, or take days to set in. Only a family medicine provider can rule out or diagnose such injuries.
Being evaluated by a medical professional will give you peace of mind, alert you to any symptoms you should be watching for, and will provide you with documentation of any injuries in the event that you will need to file an injury claim.
If you are involved in an accident, please call (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online at one of our convenient locations in Royal Palm Beach or Wellington. Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and Nurse Practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene offer walk-in appointments to evaluate your injuries and treat you immediately after a car accident.
