Post-Car Accident Health Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention

Q: Post-Car Accident Health Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello, based on your description and concerns： <br>1. <br>Given the symptoms mentioned, is it necessary to see a doctor? If so, which specialty should I consult? --> If you still feel unwell, it is advisable to have your primary care physician evaluate your condition first, and t

Post-accident physical condition?

Hello Dr.
Liao, I was rear-ended in a car accident on September 9th.
At the time, I only felt pain in my coccyx.
After being taken to the hospital, an X-ray showed that I had a contusion of the coccyx and lower back, and I was prescribed acetaminophen.
However, I later noticed swelling on the outer side of my calf, which developed into a bruise the next day.
As of today, the bruise is almost gone, but the swelling has not subsided (I applied ice packs for the first two to three days after the injury).
Additionally, I have been experiencing persistent discomfort in my stomach and various unexplained muscle aches, pains, and cramps (especially from my lower back to my thighs and even my lower abdomen; sometimes even slight exertion causes muscle pain).
Furthermore, five days after the accident, I started experiencing significant hair loss (approximately 85 to 150 strands daily).
Since it was during my menstrual period, I initially thought the muscle soreness and fatigue were due to premenstrual syndrome, but after my period ended, my condition did not improve.

1.
Given the symptoms described, do you think I need to see a doctor? If so, which specialty should I consult?
2.
Is it possible that the hair loss is a consequence of the car accident?
3.
Although I fell and likely did not hit my head, I am concerned about the symptoms of excessive sleepiness.
Should I arrange for additional examinations regarding this?
Thank you.

miao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/17

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, based on your description and concerns:
1.
Given the symptoms mentioned, is it necessary to see a doctor? If so, which specialty should I consult? --> If you still feel unwell, it is advisable to have your primary care physician evaluate your condition first, and then refer you to a specialist if necessary.
2.
Could hair loss possibly be a consequence of the car accident? --> There may not be a direct causal relationship, but you can consult a dermatologist to assess the cause of the abnormal hair loss.
3.
Since I fell and likely did not hit my head, but the symptoms of excessive sleepiness worry me, is there a need for additional tests? --> If necessary, you may seek an evaluation from a neurologist.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2022/09/17

More Info

After a car accident, it is crucial to monitor your health closely, as various symptoms may arise that could indicate underlying issues. Based on your description, you have experienced a range of symptoms including localized pain, bruising, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle soreness, and hair loss. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and recommendations on when to seek medical attention.

1. When to Seek Medical Attention
Given the symptoms you’ve described, it is advisable to seek medical attention. While some discomfort and bruising can be expected after an accident, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant further evaluation. Here are specific indicators that suggest you should see a doctor:
- Persistent Pain: If the pain in your lower back and tailbone does not improve or worsens over time, it could indicate a more serious injury that may not have been detected in the initial X-rays.

- Swelling and Bruising: The swelling in your calf and the appearance of bruising are concerning. If the swelling does not decrease or if you experience increased pain, it could suggest a soft tissue injury or even a possible fracture that was missed initially.

- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Ongoing stomach discomfort could be a sign of internal injury or stress-related gastrointestinal issues. If this persists, it is important to have it evaluated.

- Muscle Pain and Weakness: The widespread muscle pain and weakness you are experiencing could be related to the trauma from the accident, but they could also indicate other issues such as a strain or even a nerve injury.

- Hair Loss: While hair loss can be caused by various factors, including stress, it is worth discussing with a healthcare provider, especially if it is significant and sudden.

- Excessive Sleepiness: If you are experiencing excessive sleepiness or fatigue, it is essential to rule out any potential concussion or other neurological issues, even if you did not hit your head directly.

2. Which Specialist to See
Given the variety of symptoms, you may need to consult multiple specialists:
- Primary Care Physician (PCP): Start with your PCP, who can evaluate your overall health and refer you to specialists as needed.

- Orthopedic Specialist: If your primary concern is the pain in your tailbone and lower back, an orthopedic doctor can assess for any musculoskeletal injuries.

- Neurologist: If you have concerns about sleepiness or any neurological symptoms, a neurologist can perform the necessary evaluations.

- Gastroenterologist: For persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, a gastroenterologist can help determine if there are any underlying issues.

3. Hair Loss and Its Connection to the Accident
Hair loss can be multifactorial. Stress from the accident, physical trauma, or even changes in your routine can contribute to hair loss. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, can occur after significant stress or trauma. While it is unlikely that the accident directly caused hair loss, the stress and physical strain from the incident could be contributing factors. It is advisable to discuss this with your doctor, who may recommend a dermatologist for further evaluation.

4. Concussion and Neurological Concerns
Even if you did not hit your head, the impact from the accident could still lead to a concussion or other neurological issues. Symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, confusion, or persistent headaches should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. A neurologist can perform cognitive tests and imaging studies if necessary.

Conclusion
In summary, it is essential to seek medical attention for your symptoms, especially since they have persisted or worsened since the accident. Start with your primary care physician, who can guide you through the necessary evaluations and referrals. Addressing these concerns promptly can help ensure that any potential injuries are diagnosed and treated appropriately, leading to better recovery outcomes.

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