Regardless of whether or not it’s from an accident, a “wrong” move, or a mistaken collision from something else, sometimes the body doesn’t give out signs that it’s in pain unless it’s in distress. Internal injury is a serious ordeal, but it can be all the more dangerous if it’s a delayed internal injury. It’s important to get yourself checked should you become aware of such a situation, as it can be fatal if left unchecked. Unfortunately, given the nature of delayed internal injuries, not only are these injuries hidden inside the body, but they also appear after a period of time following the supposed cause. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any key signs of delayed internal injury to watch out for.
It’s important to remember that these key signs aren’t always fit for all sorts of injuries, and as such you should also consult your doctor for more specific signs you should be aware of. This allows you to combine the general knowledge you may learn here as well as the other elements of particular injuries you should be aware of.
First Things First: Internal Injury Basics
In order to fully understand the key signs of delayed internal injuries, it’s important to understand the full scope of internal injuries in the first place. According to WebMD, internal bleeding is perhaps the most dangerous aftermath of a trauma, as it’s not immediately visible and could have serious consequences.
- Commonly, the bleeding itself is from injuries that are obvious, and it should be treated by immediate medical care. However, the more dangerous kinds of internal bleeding are the ones that occur days after the trauma, and can be severe.
- When it comes to causes, internal bleeding normally comes from physical injuries significant enough to cause bleeding inside the body. However, there’s no general type of trauma generally associated with internal bleeding.
- Penetrating trauma, or trauma from an object penetrating the body, can cause internal bleeding as it tears holes in blood vessels. Stabbings and gunshot wounds are common sources of this kind of trauma.
- Blunt trauma, meanwhile, occurs when a body part collides with something else. The blood vessels in a blunt trauma are crushed or torn by the force of the object coming into contact with it. Accidents, falls, and assaults are common sources of blunt trauma and the internal bleeding associated with it.
When it comes to sources, generally almost any blood vessel or organ that is significantly damaged can cause internal bleeding. However, the ones that can cause the most alarm are the following organs:
- Internal bleeding around the heart and lungs, called the hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade, or hemothorax, respectively.
- Large blood vessels near the center mass upon sustaining massive amounts of tear.
- Trauma to organs such as the spleen, liver, and abdomen.
- Trauma on the head, called an intracranial hemorrhage.
This also means that internal injury can happen almost any time, even when you least expect it. If, for instance, you’re being treated by a doctor and you’ve discovered that internal bleeding has occurred after an operation, it might be good idea to consider talking with a lawyer in case you want to file a suit.
Key Signs of Delayed Internal Injury
Now that you have a basic background on internal injuries, it’s now time to see the signs of delayed internal injuries you should watch out for. Remember, noticing these signs would mean having to get yourself checked by a medical practitioner, as these can lead to severe consequences. Also, if you’re experiencing seizures, loss of consciousness, or headaches, this might be because of internal bleeding in the brain and you should seek medical attention immediately.
- If you’ve found yourself in an accident, such as a drunk driving accident, and you found yourself uninjured, get yourself checked regardless. If you do discover that you have delayed internal injuries, the lawyers here might be able to help with a case to get you compensated for bills.
- A fracture of the thigh bone can cause pain, tightness, and swelling in the leg.
- Soft tissues and skin are also prone to bleeding, as ecchymosis or purple skin is often a sign of this occurrence.
- If you’re experiencing abdominal pain after an injury near the spleen or liver, this might be a sign of internal bleeding.
- You may also faint, become dizzy, or be light headed if you’ve lost enough blood due to internal bleeding.
Treatment For Delayed Internal Injury
If you think you have a delayed internal injury, it’s essential you get yourself checked immediately as the symptoms can get worse for you. Remember, internal bleeding is capable of permanently damaging the body because of the pressure of the misplaced blood, and the loss of blood itself.
- This is usually why some patients with internal bleeding end up in the emergency room, as blood transfusions and intravenous fluids are sometimes needed to try to correct or prevent dangerous drops in pressure.
- Tests that create an internal image of the body such as a CT scan or ultrasound are very reliable when it comes to identifying points of internal bleeding, especially with proper assessment. Professionals will then have to assess the kind of internal bleeding involved and the procedures to be taken once these are observed.
- Observation of the internal bleeding might be the course of action they take in order to carefully assess the damage in your body, but measures such as surgery may be required if the problem is dangerous.
Conclusion
Delayed internal injuries are very serious concerns, but unfortunately their nature to be delayed and internal can make them lethal when left unchecked. Knowing the key signs above, coupled with a proper consultation, can help you avoid not only costly medical bills, but chances of worsening conditions as well. Your health is wealth, and as such it’s important to be smart about tackling it.
Irene Wall
Irene Wall has been writing about law for more than a decade. She writes pieces on various law topics that she hopes could help the common reader with their concerns. She enjoys playing basketball with her sons during her free time