Despite advancements in car safety and driver-assist technologies, car accidents remain a common occurrence. Following a collision, injuries often necessitate specialist care beyond initial emergency room treatment. Injuries to the brain, spine, or nerves particularly warrant seeing a neurology specialist.
Choosing between a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor can be confusing since both often treat similar conditions. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in High Point, we have an exceptional team of neurologists, orthopedists, and pain management specialists. We possess the expertise, broad skill set, and advanced facilities needed to help you recover fully from neurological symptoms resulting from a car accident.
Symptoms of Neurological Injury
Neurological injuries encompass more than brain injuries; they include skull and spine fractures, spinal cord injuries, and peripheral nerve damage. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, as immediate and appropriate medical intervention can significantly impact recovery.
Common Neurological Injury Signs
- Memory loss and difficulty understanding
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Heightened anxiety and irritability
- Light sensitivity
- Hearing unusual noises or ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
- Frequent vomiting and nausea
- Numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles sensations in extremities
- Stiff or sore muscles in the neck or back
- Loss of sensation in fingers, arms, toes, or legs
Never assume these symptoms will improve on their own after a car accident. The impact of such collisions is often more severe than anticipated, and delays in treatment can aggravate the condition. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in High Point, we thoroughly assess your symptoms and provide suitable treatment using modern diagnostic technology.
Why See a Neurology Doctor?
Many people only check for obvious injuries immediately after a crash, leading them to believe they are unscathed. However, some injuries may become apparent only after days or weeks. Here are five compelling reasons to consult a neurologist following a car accident:
Impact on Daily Life
Soft tissue injuries involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause discomfort and stiffness. More serious spinal injuries affect nerves and discs, potentially leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even paralysis if untreated.
Strengthen Your Personal Injury Case
Seeking immediate medical treatment provides essential evidence that injuries were sustained in the crash. This documentation is crucial, especially when dealing with insurance claims, as it helps substantiate your case. Without it, securing compensation for medical expenses and other damages can be challenging.
Personality and Mental Health Changes
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can alter personality traits, causing irritability, mood swings, and nervousness. Sleep disorders are also frequent post-TBI, impacting mental health. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop, affecting relationships with loved ones.
Delayed Symptoms
Symptoms of neurological injuries may not surface immediately but can develop days or even months post-accident. Persistent headaches, neck or back stiffness, dizziness, blurred vision, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating are common delayed symptoms.
Potential Worsening Over Time
Early medical attention is key to hastening recovery and achieving better outcomes. Delaying treatment can result in improper healing, chronic pain, and long-term impairment. Early intervention ensures effective pain management, better coping mechanisms, and shorter recovery periods.
Life-Threatening Consequences of Untreated Injuries
Untreated TBIs can be fatal, despite initial relief. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports numerous TBI-related deaths each year, some occurring long after the initial injury. Therefore, immediate consultation with a High Point neurologist can mitigate both immediate and long-term consequences.
Neurological Condition Detection
A neurologist’s exam includes reviewing medical history and surveying sensory and motor skills, vision coordination, strength, speech, hearing, and reflexes. These tests ascertain the severity of potential problems caused by a car accident. The results guide diagnostic tests and treatment options.
High Point Neurology Diagnostic Tools
Our neurologists in High Point use advanced diagnostic tools and procedures to identify neurological damage post-accident:
MRI Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord, ideal for diagnosing brain injuries and assessing nerve damage.
Electromyography (EMG) / Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV): Measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves using needle electrodes and electrical pulses.
Videonystagmography (VNG): Noninvasively assesses inner ear function and balance issues by analyzing eye movements and responses to auditory stimuli.
Quantitative Electroencephalogram (EEG): Evaluates brain electrical activity, detecting patterns indicating neurological problems.
Brain Mapping: Examines both structural and functional aspects of the brain to provide a comprehensive understanding of any neurological condition.
When you visit Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in High Point, our specialists will conduct necessary evaluations, including these diagnostic tests, to create a personalized treatment plan.
Neurology Treatments
Aiming for comprehensive care, we offer complementary services addressing various aspects of health. Our full neurological, orthopedic, and rehabilitation teams work cohesively to facilitate complete recovery. Our services include:
Pain Management
Our pain management team specializes in nonsurgical methods to relieve spinal and nerve pain. We offer an array of options from medications to radiofrequency neurotomy, which uses cauterization to provide lasting pain relief.
Surgery
Our orthopedic surgery team offers treatments for car accident injuries, including minimally invasive procedures and corrective surgeries. Whether you need disc replacement or spinal fusion, we tailor surgical options to your specific needs, often enabling same-day recovery at home.
Referrals and Additional Recommendations
Based on neurological requirements, we facilitate referrals to psychiatrists or other specialists. We also recommend combining cognitive exercises with chiropractic care and physical therapy to help you regain your lifestyle.
Talk to a High Point Neurology Specialist Today!
Car accident injuries can be debilitating and lead to chronic conditions if untreated. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in High Point is here to help. Our neurology doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose injuries and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your injuries and lifestyle. Using a holistic treatment approach, we aim to ensure complete recovery and prevent chronic issues. Call us today at 704-412-3045 to schedule a consultation.
