Every year, thousands of lives are forever altered by vehicular crashes. Beyond the visible damage, one often underestimated and potentially life-threatening problem is internal bleeding. This silent threat lurks within the body, yet it can have devastating consequences.
Understanding the signs of internal bleeding is important for individuals, as swift action can be the key to saving lives.
Injured blood vessels
When vehicles collide, the human body becomes a battleground of forces. With around 5.25 million vehicle accidents happening in America in just 2020, this problem is rather common. The abrupt deceleration or acceleration can lead to the rupture of blood vessels, causing internal bleeding.
The impact may cause organs to collide with the body’s bony structures, leading to tears in blood vessels. Although the skin may remain unscathed, the internal damage can be severe and life-threatening.
Risky organ damage
Several organs are particularly susceptible to internal bleeding in vehicle collisions. The spleen, liver and kidneys are often at risk due to their relative mobility within the body. Blunt force trauma can cause these organs to suffer damage, resulting in internal bleeding.
Recognizing the signs of internal bleeding in these areas, such as abdominal pain or discoloration, is important.
Hard-to-detect symptoms
Internal bleeding may not always show up immediately after a collision. It can take hours or even days for symptoms to become apparent. Watchful for signs such as dizziness, weakness or a rapid pulse, individuals involved in a collision should seek medical attention promptly.
In cases of internal bleeding after a crash, the lack of timely intervention can lead to shock, organ failure and death. First responders and medical professionals should notice the signs and provide quick treatment.
