Experiencing numbness or tingling sensations after a car accident, particularly down your arms and legs, can be alarming and often indicates underlying injuries that require prompt medical attention. While some may dismiss these sensations as temporary discomfort, they can be indicative of more serious conditions that may worsen if left untreated.
At Jassim Law, our compassionate team understands the challenges you face after being injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else.
It is obvious that an attorney must know the law, but a personal injury attorney must also understand medicine and help you identify what can be a serious injury. Not all serious injuries manifest with pain and discomfort. For example, numbness, tingling, a feeling of “pins and needles”, can all be signs of a neurological injury – for example a nerve root injury, irritation, or worse. These require immediate evaluation by a qualified neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Our firm is dedicated to confirming that injured victims throughout California receive the support and compensation they deserve no matter what type of injuries they have suffered.
What to Do if You Experience Numbness, Weakness or Tingling After a Car Crash
Whether it’s a fleeting sensation or persistent discomfort, it’s crucial not to ignore any numbness or tingling after an accident, even if you do not feel a lot of pain. Here’s what you should do if you experience such symptoms:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the numbness or tingling seems minor, it could be a sign of nerve damage or other serious injuries. See a healthcare professional as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation. A neurologist or neurosurgeon would typically be the best physician to see.
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep track of when the numbness or tingling occurs, how long it lasts, and any other associated symptoms. For example, is the sensation going down into your fingers, or toes? If so, identify which fingers and toes because this will help your physician identify the source of the problem. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose the underlying cause.
- Follow Medical Advice: Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment, which may include rest, physical therapy, steroid injections, medication, or further diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRIs. Ultimately, you may even require surgery to address the issue if conservative treatments fail.
If you believe the car accident was caused by another party’s negligence and resulted in your injuries, do not hesitate to consult a personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
After a Car Accident, What Could Numbness, Weakness or Tingling Sensations Indicate?
The onset of numbness or tingling can be deeply unsettling after a car accident. These symptoms could be indicative of unseen injuries, such as:
- Cervical Spine Injury:: Numbness or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands is a common symptom of cervical spine injury, also called “radiculopathy,” which occurs when the head is forcefully jerked back and forth, often during rear-end collisions. The symptoms are often caused by nerve root irritation, such as a herniated disc pressing upon the nerve roots in a particular part of the spine.
- Spinal Cord Compression: In more severe car accidents, the impact can cause spinal cord compression, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities.
- Herniated Discs: Car accidents can also cause herniated discs in the spine, where the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
- Nerve Damage: The force of a car accident can directly damage nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the affected areas.
- Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): In some cases, numbness or tingling sensations may be a sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems.
It’s essential to seek medical evaluation following a car accident, even if you initially feel fine or only experience mild symptoms. Numbness or tingling sensations may not be immediately apparent and can develop hours or days after the accident, especially if other body parts are more severely injured and painful. A thorough examination by a healthcare professional can help identify any underlying injuries and ensure you receive the necessary treatment to prevent complications.
Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer in San Diego Today for a Free Case Review
Experience kindhearted legal representation with Jassim Law. Our firm prioritizes the needs of accident victims, providing unwavering support and personalized guidance throughout every step of the legal process.
With Attorney Pajman Jassim’s distinguished credentials, including a 10.00 rating on Avvo and recognition by Super Lawyers, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward justice and recovery. Call (619) 630-2680 or fill out our contact form to get started.
