Following a crash with a large truck, you know you are bleeding and are in pain, but you aren’t sure what injuries you suffered. While x-rays and other diagnostic tests will reveal the majority of your injuries—such as broken bones and other visible injuries—there are certain injuries that take a while to show up. For example, nerve damage is a type of injury that may stay hidden for days, weeks, or months before a proper diagnosis.
The reason nerve injuries are hard to diagnose is that victims are already in a lot of pain after a crash, so it is difficult for doctors and victims to pinpoint the pain that is coming from the pressure being placed on the nerves. For this reason, victims of trucking accidents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of nerve injuries, including:
- Radiating pain
- Shooting pain
- Twitching and muscle spasms
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Loss of strength
- Pins and needles sensation
- Burning sensation
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Stabbing sensation
- Pain in the lower back
- Constipation and bladder control issues
It is important that victims of truck crashes know that these symptoms can appear in their legs, feet, and toes as well as their fingers, hands, and arms. Additionally, nerve damage is often common in the back and chest. Because nerve damage can occur anywhere in the body, it is critical that victims of trucking accidents pay close attention to the pain they are feeling and inform their doctors of any and all new symptoms.
The Seriousness of Nerve Damage
Nerve injuries can be a result of a herniated disc, back injury or a spinal cord injury. Sometimes, treatment may bring healing; however, sometimes nerve injuries are lifelong injuries that victims of collisions are forced to live with. Because nerve damage might be permanent, it is critical that victims of trucking accidents are aware of the seriousness of such injuries.
While surgery and pain medications might bring some relief to victims living with nerve damage, nerve injuries often result in pain that radiates throughout the entire body. When pain is unbearable, it can affect victims’ entire lives. Because debilitating pain often keeps victims from working, their finances are generally affected. When people cannot work or contribute to society, they may also be affected emotionally and mentally. As a result, victims who are forced to live in pain often have a difficult time dealing with their new realities. Sadly, nerve damage can impact victims for life.
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