Why You Should See a Neurologist After a Car Accident in New York City
Car accidents can have detrimental impacts on your musculoskeletal and neurological health. Severe collisions can cause long-lasting complications that require extensive medical care. It’s wise to seek help from a neurologist after car accident injuries to prevent painful or life-altering conditions in the future.
Neurological issues may not manifest immediately, so knowing when to see a doctor is essential. Many patients who get treatment early can restore their health and quality of life. Before you schedule an appointment, learn which brain injuries can occur after a collision and how a car accident neurologist can help.
Common Head Injuries After Car Accidents
A traumatic brain injury can create painful headaches and reduce cognitive speed and function. Common car accident injuries like this require specialized medical attention from a licensed and insured neurologist. They can assess your physical well-being and cognitive abilities to develop an effective treatment plan.
Post-Traumatic Injury
Post-traumatic injuries are symptoms that can develop in accident victims several days or weeks after their auto collisions. These conditions can manifest as painful muscle spasms in the neck or physical damage to the brain itself.
Post-traumatic injuries may also impact your psychiatric health. A recent study that monitored the health and behavior of 89 individuals with traumatic brain injuries suggests that these physical injuries may correlate with PTSD.
A traumatic brain injury may be challenging for primary care physicians to identify during a routine physical. However, neurologists have the technology and training to diagnose these problems without delay.
Concussion
Concussions are one of the most common brain injuries in the United States. According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, nearly 10% of athletes sustain concussions every year. However, many people sustain concussions from car accidents.
A concussion can occur if your brain sustains a jolt that causes it to strike your skull, causing bruising or bleeding. Mild concussions could cause confusion, dizziness, nausea, and short-term memory loss.
You shouldn’t take these injuries lightly. Evidence suggests that untreated concussions are one of the leading causes of death in children and young adults. Speaking to a neurologist after car accident injuries will allow you to check the severity of your concussion and help you prevent subsequent injuries during the healing process.
Persistent Headache
Headaches are typical after a brain injury. They often indicate nerve or soft tissue damage. Some headaches can become intense over time, causing emotional stress.
Still, not all headaches result from a traumatic head injury. They could manifest from musculoskeletal conditions, such as whiplash or spinal misalignment. In this case, you can expect to heal from these injuries within just a few weeks.
You can expect your neurologist to be honest about your condition during your consultation. They may even partner you with a pain management specialist if they determine that the headache is not due to an underlying condition or brain damage.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the body suddenly jerks forward and back during a collision. Research from the Department of Medical Research and Management for Musculoskeletal Pain indicates that this injury is prevalent among 2% of the population.
In most cases, whiplash causes painful back injuries, resulting in spinal misalignment and strained muscles. A high-speed collision resulting in whiplash could also cause brain damage. For example, a strong enough whiplash may cause your brain to strike the wall of your skull, causing a concussion.
You may not know if your headaches and pain are due to whiplash or a brain injury. A neurologist can put your mind at ease by identifying the source of your problem and explaining it to you with vocabulary you can understand. They may also refer you to a chiropractor during treatment and monitor your pain over several weeks or months.
Broken Bones
Flying objects and high-speed impacts can cause you to sustain broken or fractured bones during a car accident. A fractured skull can expose your brain tissue to damage, causing profuse bleeding. These injuries can lead to impaired movement, trouble sleeping, and even death.
A fractured skull could require surgery. Doctors will attempt to isolate or remove bone flakes from the brain tissue, preventing further lacerations. A neurologist can use digital imaging technology — MRIs, CATs, etc. — to outline the extent of the fracture.
After your skull heals, they can continue running tests to rule out any long-term complications caused by the injury. They may test your senses, reflex speed, and mobility.
Nerve Damage
Pinched nerves can prevent adequate blood flow to the brain and create painful headaches. In severe cases, it may cause you to experience numbness around your head and neck.
How Can a Neurologist in NYC Help?
At Medical Clinics of New York City, we can diagnose, monitor, and treat your accident injuries without stress. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Also, same-day appointments may be available.
If you experience a persistent headache after a car accident, don’t wait for help.
Contact Medical Clinics of New York City in New York, NY. Learn more about seeing a neurologist after accident injuries at 877-465-7360.
Many people believe that neurologists only treat injuries related to the head; however, this is not the case. Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries that impact the brain, spine, muscles, and nerves – all prevalent areas that are often affected after being involved in a car accident. Even in minor collisions, there is still the possibility of neurological damage following a car accident that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms throughout the entire body. No matter your circumstances, seeking immediate medical attention from a neurologist following an auto accident is the best option to ensure you receive the help you need for a healthy recovery.
Reasons to see a neurologist following a car crash:
Receive a proper diagnosis
A variety of neurological disorders can occur after the body endures physical trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident. While injuries to the head and spine are most commonly associated with neurological injuries, the force of a collision may also cause damage to nerves and surrounding tissue. A neurologist will be able to evaluate your injuries and pinpoint the exact source of pain caused by a neurological injury to help properly diagnose your condition.
Detect hidden injuries
After being involved in an accident, it is common for victims not to notice immediate symptoms of injury. There are specific neurological injuries that may even take days to weeks before becoming evident by the patient. Those who may not feel any immediate symptoms following an auto accident and neglect to seek medical attention are putting themselves at risk of worsening existing conditions. To avoid this unwanted progression, car accident victims are highly encouraged to see a neurologist as soon as possible. Once you have made your appointment, the specialist will perform a complete evaluation to identify any hidden injuries and begin planning for treatment.
Receive a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain
While some do not experience immediate symptoms following an auto accident, there are also many who do. A few common symptoms related to neurological injuries include headaches, migraines, dizziness, weakness, numbness, and emotional disorders that all may lead to the inability to work or go about normal daily routines. It is clear that neurological disorders vary from person to person and require professional advice from a specialist in order to recover fully. When you see a neurologist, they will create a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific conditions. This may include instruction to see other specialists such as a physical therapist or pain management specialist depending on what is causing your pain.
Schedule an Appointment with Medical Clinics of NYC
Car accidents can cause several conditions that may not always be apparent at first. It is crucial for those involved in any collision not to wait to seek medical attention. The neurologists at Medical Clinics of New York City provide patients with comprehensive care for auto accident injury cases in the area. If you sustain injuries from an auto accident, your New York no-fault insurance should cover neurological consultation and treatment.
Our doctors are dedicated to quality care, comprehensive services, and caring customer service in a warm, stress-free setting. We are conveniently located in New York City metropolitan area with several offices to serve you. If you have been involved in an auto accident and seek medical care, we encourage you to contact our offices to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We accept no-fault insurance, workers’ compensation, and most major medical insurance plans.
FAQs About Neurologist Care After an Accident
Here are some questions you may have before your first appointment:
When Should I See a Neurologist?
You should visit a neurologist as soon as possible if you suspect brain damage after a car accident. These medical professionals can assess your condition quickly, allowing you to seek treatment before symptoms escalate.
How Long Does It Take for the Brain To Heal After an Accident?
It can take years for the brain to heal after a traumatic brain injury. Severe accidents could cause life-long complications. A neurologist can continue treating your condition for as long as needed and track your progress.
Can a Neurologist Prescribe Medication?
Your neurologist can prescribe medication as part of your treatment plans. Additionally, they can recommend alternative treatments, such as surgery. You can also get referrals to other specialists from your neurologist after car accident injuries.
