Unfortunately, in these times of increased mobility, car accidents are all too common occurrences. While you may emerge from an accident relatively unscathed, with only minor cuts and scrapes, you may find yourself experiencing fatigue in the days after. This can be your body trying to tell you that something is wrong. In this article, you can find out more about fatigue after a car accident, whether it’s normal, and when you should be concerned.
Why Do You Experience Fatigue Following an Accident?
To understand why you experience fatigue after a car accident, you first have to understand the way your body handles stress. When you go through a potentially life-threatening event, your body responds by releasing adrenaline, commonly known as the “fight or flight” hormone.
This can mask any physical symptoms you would otherwise normally experience, and as the adrenaline shock progressively starts to wear off, you will get hit by a seemingly sudden onslaught of symptoms. This can cause you to feel more tired than normal, but if you find that the fatigue doesn’t wear off after a few days, it could be a sign of something more worrying.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Even if it seems like you only suffered minor cuts or scrapes in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, keep in mind that not all symptoms are immediately obvious, some can be delayed. That’s why you should never skip the car accident after care evaluation. You may only realize days later that the fatigue or headache which you thought was due to stress, could have been caused by whiplash or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If left untreated, these conditions have the potential to bring about long-lasting health and mobility consequences.
Common Causes of Fatigue
If you have been experiencing fatigue for more than a few days after your accident, these are some of the possible causes:
- Concussion: Concussions are a form of TBI that can occur when you hit your head against some part of your car during the accident. This causes your brain to bump against your skull and results in symptoms that include headaches, nausea and unexplained fatigue. TBIs are serious and you should always seek medical attention for them.
- Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when your head is subject to a back-and-forth jerking motion as a result of the impact. This can lead to muscle pain and soreness in the neck, shoulder and back. When you are unable to find a comfortable position to fall asleep in, this can contribute to the lingering fatigue you feel.
Come to RejuvenX for the Car Accident Aftercare Services You Need
After being involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek out treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Because some symptoms can be delayed, you should keep a close eye on your condition and seek medical attention as and when you suspect something is wrong. At RejuvenX, our team of dedicated professionals can assess your individual condition before recommending the most suitable treatment plan for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our five locations throughout Florida.
Disclaimer: No information on this article is purposive to substitute professional medical diagnosis, treatment or advice.
