As a driver in Georgia who has gotten into an accident before, you should be aware of the fact that injuries may sometimes appear long after the initial impact. You could be waiting days, weeks or months before you see signs of potential problems that stem from the crash.
For example, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is possible for you to suffer from a stroke after getting into an accident. Studies have shown that the heavier the damage is, the more likely it is for a stroke to occur. For example, if you have suffered from a concussion, skull fractures or brain damage, you should notify your doctor and the people you live with immediately. You should monitor yourself closely for anything out of the ordinary, such as behavioral changes, difficulty concentrating or motor issues.
Your chances of suffering from a stroke can also raise tenfold if you have experienced a brain injury before, even if the accident itself does not cause one. This is because the previous damage may still linger in the form of scars or blood clots, and a second impact could worsen those issues or dislodge any clots, which can lead to a stroke.
Fortunately for many drivers, the risk of a stroke is not very high for those who don’t also have a history of brain injury, or for those who don’t injure their heads while in the accident. However, it is a wise idea for all accident sufferers to keep a close eye on themselves in the months following an accident just to make sure no hidden problems remain.