If you are traveling along a West Virginia highway and another vehicle hits you, the hours and days that follow the collision may be stressful, worrisome and physically painful, especially if you suffer severe injuries. One of the reasons why it is always best to obtain immediate medical attention after a car accident, as well as follow-up care, is that certain types of injuries often are not noticeable without x-ray imaging. Repeat medical care may be particularly helpful for conditions such as whiplash.
If you’re like many other people who have suffered injury in a motor vehicle collision, you might automatically think of neck pain when you consider the possible implications of whiplash. However, this medical term refers to a broad range of injuries that typically affect the upper body region, including the head.
Common and less common symptoms of whiplash
While experiencing neck pain is one of the most common symptoms of whiplash, you might also notice any of the issues included in the following list:
- Weakness in a limb
- Tingling sensation in extremities
- Severe pain associated with motion
- Reduced mobility and upper body function
It’s always a good idea to seek a medical examination if you experience such symptoms after a car accident, even if it is days or weeks later. It is also important to make sure that the attending physician is aware that you were recently involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Medical testing and treatment plans for whiplash
A doctor can diagnose whiplash based on the symptoms that you describe, as well as answers you provide to various questions that he or she might ask, such as whether you are having trouble performing everyday tasks like personal hygiene or going to work. Your medical team can also use x-ray technology or an MRI scan and other specialized tests to determine the severity of your injuries.
The treatment and prognosis that you receive may not necessarily be exactly the same as another whiplash patient because your doctor can refine his or her recommendations to fit your particular needs. Your treatments might include wearing a neck brace, attending physical therapy sessions or taking prescribed narcotics to help alleviate chronic pain.
Dealing with the financial aftermath of a motor vehicle collision
If you have suffered whiplash or other injuries in a West Virginia collision, you might experience financial distress in connection with the incident. From lost wages due to time off work to car repairs and medical bills, a collision can take a heavy toll on finances, which is why state law allows you to seek financial recovery for your losses in court.
