Motor vehicle accident victims may not understand the full scope of harm they suffered in a collision. Some accidents result in internal injuries with symptoms that may confuse victims.
Healthline breaks down the signs of internal bleeding. Injury symptoms manifest differently in different parts of the body.
Bleeding in the abdomen or chest
A person with internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen may experience bloody urine, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or chest pain. The injury also manifests in dizziness while standing, bruising around the naval and black stool. The person may bleed from the mouth, anus, ears or nose.
Bleeding in the head
Common symptoms associated with internal bleeding in the head include numbness or weakness on one side of the body, intense headaches, tingling in the extremities, shifts in vision or hearing, and trouble chewing or swallowing. Additional signs include trouble writing, trouble comprehending speech, blacking out and increased sleepiness.
Bleeding in the joints or muscles
Personal injury victims who suffer from internal bleeding in the muscles or joints may experience a reduced range of motion, joint pain and swollen joints.
Additional symptoms
Internal bleeding may force a person to go into shock when the body does not have enough blood, especially if bleeding happens in the thigh, chest or abdomen. Symptoms of shock include sweating, rapid pulse, low blood pressure and feeling drained of energy. To help pinpoint where blood loss occurs, patients should tell their medical team if they have underlying conditions, such as anemia.
Internal bleeding symptoms may mirror other health conditions. With an accurate diagnosis, car accident victims may build a solid case.
