Car accidents continue to be a leading cause of serious injury in Iowa. In fact, more than 18,000 Iowans suffered some type of injury in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 alone. Sadly, 336 individuals eventually died from injuries they sustained in car accidents that year.

Generally, to improve your chances of recovering completely after a collision, it is critical to obtain emergency medical care as quickly as possible. Still, even catastrophic accident-related injuries may not show up until hours or even days after a crash.

How does your body respond to stress?

Your brain has a few options for responding to stressful events, such as car accidents. After your brain signals the release of stress hormones, you may not experience pain until your hormonal levels return to normal.

What injuries may have hidden symptoms?

While your body’s stress response may mask the symptoms of some injuries, other injuries may have almost imperceptible symptoms. This may be true even if the injuries are life-threatening. Here are some injuries that often have few initial symptoms:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage

How do doctors find delayed injuries?

When you go to the emergency room, you explain how the accident unfolded. You also describe your symptoms. When you are talking with doctors, they watch for signs of injury. They also use diagnostic tests, imaging and other methods to find delayed injuries.

If you feel mostly fine after a car accident, visiting the emergency room may seem silly. Ultimately, though, your trip may save your life.