Post-Accident Limb Weakness and Tremors: A Guide

Car accident injuries

Hello, doctor.
I was involved in a motorcycle accident on September 5th.
I was riding on the back of the motorcycle when a car suddenly cut into our lane from the right side, causing a collision.
The impact was so sudden that both vehicles were almost at full speed when they collided.
I remember rolling on the ground for about 6 to 7 times.
Fortunately, I did not sustain any major external injuries, but I have abrasions on both knees, both elbows, my right shoulder, and the joints of my fingers, with the abrasions on my right hand being the most severe.
Additionally, there is slight swelling on the upper right and lower left sides of my head due to the impact.

Since the accident, I have been experiencing weakness and numbness in my limbs.
When I went to the emergency room, they took X-rays of my upper body, including my hand joints, right shoulder, neck, and head.
The emergency staff indicated that there were no bone issues, so I returned home to rest.
However, since then, I have been experiencing involuntary hand tremors, weakness in my limbs, numbness, tightness and swelling in my neck, and a sensation of numbness.
My hand movements, especially when making a fist, feel unnatural, and I find it difficult to control my finger movements.

Today, I had to jog briefly, but after just a few steps, I felt significant numbness in my left foot, which left me too weak to continue running, forcing me to walk slowly instead.
A few days ago, I had to go up and down the stairs twice for daily necessities, and the next day I experienced intense soreness that lasted for two to three days.

I would like to ask if the weakness, numbness in my limbs, pain and fatigue with minimal use, and involuntary tremors could indicate an injury to any tendons or ligaments in my limbs.
If I want to undergo further examination, which specialist should I see and what tests should I request for a proper diagnosis? Thank you, doctor!

Sylvia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/20

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

If it is just a bruise, you can see a neurologist to check for any potential neurological issues.

Reply Date: 2016/09/20

More Info

After a motorcycle accident, experiencing limb weakness, tremors, and other symptoms can be concerning and may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. Based on your description, it seems that you have sustained multiple injuries, including abrasions to your knees, elbows, and shoulders, as well as potential soft tissue injuries that may not have been fully evaluated during your initial emergency room visit.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Weakness and Fatigue: The weakness and fatigue in your limbs could be attributed to several factors. After a traumatic event, the body can respond with a stress reaction, leading to muscle tension and fatigue. Additionally, if there are any underlying soft tissue injuries (like strains or sprains) that were not detected, they could contribute to your symptoms.

2. Tremors: The involuntary shaking or tremors in your hands may be related to muscle fatigue, anxiety, or even neurological responses to trauma. It's essential to consider that trauma can sometimes lead to temporary neurological symptoms, especially if there was any impact to the head or neck.

3. Pain and Discomfort: The pain you experience after physical activity, such as running or climbing stairs, may indicate that your muscles are not recovering adequately from the initial trauma. This could also suggest that there are underlying injuries that need to be addressed.

Recommended Actions
Given your symptoms and the history of trauma, it is crucial to seek further evaluation. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Follow-Up with a Specialist: It would be advisable to consult with an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine physician. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of your musculoskeletal system and assess for any injuries that may have been missed during your initial assessment.

2. Imaging Studies: Depending on the specialist's evaluation, they may recommend imaging studies such as:
- MRI: This can help visualize soft tissue injuries, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which may not be visible on X-rays.

- CT Scan: This may be used if there is a concern about bone injuries or complex fractures.

- Ultrasound: This can be useful for assessing soft tissue injuries in real-time.

3. Neurological Evaluation: If your tremors and weakness persist, it may be beneficial to see a neurologist. They can conduct tests to rule out any neurological conditions that may have been exacerbated by the accident.

4. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial for rehabilitation. A physical therapist can help you regain strength, improve coordination, and manage pain through tailored exercises and modalities.

5. Rest and Recovery: It is essential to allow your body time to heal. Avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, and focus on gentle movements and stretches that do not cause pain.

Conclusion
Your symptoms following the accident warrant further investigation to ensure that any potential injuries are appropriately diagnosed and treated. While it is possible that your symptoms are related to soft tissue injuries or the body's response to trauma, a thorough evaluation by medical professionals will provide clarity and guide your recovery process. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about all your symptoms, as this will aid in forming a comprehensive treatment plan.

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