Blood loss is obvious when an injury breaks the skin. Someone bleeding often attracts attention even when the injury is minor. Almost everyone recognizes that bleeding could lead to severe injury and also infection. If someone bleeds profusely after a car crash, they typically seek emergency medical care.
Unfortunately, it is possible for someone to experience all of the medical risks associated with blood loss while not visibly bleeding at all. Internal bleeding occurs when someone experiences trauma that causes damage to their vascular system but does not compromise the skin.
There are two different ways that internal bleeding could endanger your health after a motor vehicle collision.
Bleeding in the torso or chest
Perhaps someone was in a high-speed crash and their seatbelt cut into their flesh during the collision. They might develop traumatic injuries and bleeding near where the belt restricted their movements. The violent force of the crash can lead to internal bleeding that may not be obvious until it reaches a dangerous point.
Those involved in high-speed collisions, especially those that feel sore around their seatbelt area after a crash, may need to see a doctor to check for signs of internal bleeding in the torso or chest. Left unchecked, internal bleeding could cause loss of consciousness or impact heart and lung function.
Traumatic brain injuries
It’s very easy for someone to seriously injure their brain in a car crash. Rough vehicle motions, blunt force trauma to the head and even penetrating injuries caused by flying glass or other debris could all cause bleeding inside the skull.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from car crashes can cause symptoms ranging from memory loss and issues with balance changes in personality and problems with fine motor skills. As with internal bleeding in the torso, a TBI involving internal bleeding could very well continue worsening for some time before the individual realizes they require medical attention.
When people understand that they are at risk for internal injuries, they may secure better care after a car crash. Knowing what injuries to monitor yourself for after a motor vehicle collision can help you avoid the consequences of a progressive but invisible injury.