From the brain to the spinal cord to the fingertips, our nerves are packed tightly into our bodies. Therefore, trauma to nearly any part of the body may result in nerve damage. Nerve injuries not only take a heavy financial toll in the form of medical bills, but they may require years of rehabilitation to heal and make it extremely difficult to perform everyday activities in the meantime.
Many victims of automobile accidents can suffer from noticeable and obvious injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, and bruises. However, other victims can suffer serious injuries that are not visible to the naked eye. Such injuries can include internal bleeding, concussions, and nerve damage.
Types of Nerves
Three of the primary types of nerves in the human body are:
- Autonomic nerves – Autonomic nerves are located in the brain and are responsible for regulating the body’s heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Damage to these nerves may result in excessive sweating, bladder dysfunction, chest pain, or even a heart attack.
- Motor nerves – The motor nerves send signals from the brain through the spinal column. They control movement and balance. Severe damage to these nerves may cause muscle atrophy, twitching, and paralysis.
- Sensory nerves – Sensory nerves send signals to the brain informing it of any sensory activity noticed in the body. Therefore, damage to sensory nerves will cause false or weakened messages to the brain. Damaged sensory nerves may cause a feeling of numbness, tingling, burning, and difficulty being aware of one’s surroundings.
Injuries That Can Cause Nerve Damage
There are several different types of injuries that can result from an automobile accident, which can then lead to nerve damage. Those include:
- Herniated or Slipped Disc: You can experience a herniated or slipped disc in your back or neck if your body is violently jostled or twisted during an accident. This condition occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outside of the disc.
- Whiplash: This is the most common type of injury resulting from a car collision. It occurs when your neck and head are suddenly moved forward and backward, because your forward movement was changed quickly and without warning. Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe, and the most common symptoms include neck and shoulder pain.
- Pinched Nerve: A pinched nerve occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve presses in on the nerve. Common symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs. A pinched nerve can be caused by inflammation, a herniated disc, or whiplash.
If you or your loved one’s nerve injury was caused by the negligence of another party, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. The Indianapolis personal injury attorneys of Hankey Marks & Crider, believe that injury victims deserve compensation for their suffering. For a free consultation, contact us today by calling (317) 634-8565.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage
If you or a loved one have recently been involved in a car accident, it is important that you are on the lookout for common symptoms of nerve damage. You might be suffering from nerve damage if you are experiencing:
- Radiating pain
- Sensations of numbness
- Sensations of tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spams
- Burning sensations
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital that you seek medical treatment quickly. If caught early, nerve damage can be effectively treated, and symptoms alleviated or minimized. Failure to get proper treatment can result in worsening of symptoms and possibly permanent impairment.
When accidents happen, it is important to have the right legal team on your side. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider have decades of experience in all types of injury claims, and our track record speaks for itself. Remember, our consultations are always free, and we are only paid when we win your claim.