The aftermath of a car accident is usually stressful and overwhelming, as you manage injuries, insurance companies, and police reports. The anxiety that comes along with this process can cause you to feel shaky, give you a headache, or even cause nausea. While that may seem natural, symptoms like nausea should not be ignored, as they can also indicate other injuries you may not notice at first. In order to rule out car accident injuries, you should visit a specialist at the first sign of nausea. Even if you do not have serious injuries, these experts can be helpful in healing minor injuries and preventing chronic pain.
Causes of Nausea After Car Crashes
Many injuries that are commonly sustained in car accidents do not immediately show symptoms. The adrenaline that comes from being in an accident, and even potential shock, can cause your body to hide pain, even when there is a true injury. This can lead you to not get treatment immediately, allowing injuries to worsen over time. Nausea and other symptoms can be included in these delayed signs of injury, so any instances within weeks of an accident are worth considering as related.
Some common causes of nausea related to car accidents include:
- Damage to the digestive system. If the abdominal region is hit or punctured, the digestive organs could be damaged. A hematoma or internal bleeding are common causes of stomach bloating, swelling, nausea, and vomiting.
- Whiplash. When the force of impact causes your head to move rapidly back and forth, it can tear or strain the soft tissue in your neck. In addition to pain and stiffness, nausea or vomiting are common reactions.
- Fractures and broken limbs. The pain from a broken bone can be severe enough that the body reacts by becoming nauseous or even vomiting.
- Damage to soft tissue. If muscles, tendons, or ligaments are damaged, the pain can be so bad it causes nausea and vomiting.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Both mild injuries like concussions and more severe brain trauma can cause these symptoms.
- Anxiety. Nausea may be a part of a mental reaction triggered by anxiety.
You should never guess or assume the cause of nausea after a car accident. Instead, it is important to seek care and rule out any serious conditions that could be related.
Managing Nausea
While you recover, it can be frustrating to feel nauseous all the time, especially if there is not a stomach-related illness at the root. Some tips for managing nausea may include:
- Drink clear liquids at ice-cold temperatures.
- Eat light, bland foods like crackers. Avoid greasy or sweet foods.
- Eat small, frequent meals slowly.
- Avoid activity after eating.
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating.
- Use hard candy or cough drops.
- Try herbal remedies like ginger or peppermint.
Nausea may be temporary, or it may clear up only when the underlying injury is resolved. Using natural methods during this time can help relieve nausea, which may make it easier to participate in your usual daily activities.
Why Seeking Medical Care is Important
Even if you are not experiencing anything unusual, you should always seek care as soon as possible following a car accident. Doctors who specialize in this will know how to look for injuries that may be hidden, including many that can be the cause of nausea. In some cases, this can let you get a head start on recovery, and in others, it could be life-saving if something like internal bleeding is discovered.
In addition to immediate medical care being important for your health, it will also be important in any litigation related to the accident or insurance claims you file. You will need to demonstrate that any injuries you are treated for were caused by the accident, and the sooner you visit a provider and create medical records, the easier it is to show that connection. Car accident specialists will know to take detailed notes that provide the level of information insurance companies look for in these cases.
At AICA Atlanta, we are experts in treatment after car accidents. In addition to looking for the root of your nausea, we are able to do comprehensive diagnostic exams, including scans to rule out any emergent injuries and identify others. From there, our multidisciplinary team will create personalized treatment plans to encourage recovery, while creating all the necessary medical records for your insurance agency. At the first sign of nausea, contact us for a same-day appointment to begin your recovery!
