Internal injuries can be life-threatening, often occurring as a result of traumatic events such as car accidents. Unlike external injuries, internal injuries aren’t always visible, making them harder to detect and diagnose without specialized tests.

If not detected and treated on time, they can lead to severe complications or even death. A common example of an internal injury is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which was responsible for 69,473 fatalities in 2021. Organ damage or internal bleeding and fractures can also be extremely dangerous.

Symptoms of internal injuries include dizziness, fainting, abdominal pain, or unusual bruising. However, these symptoms can be subtle or delayed, making it easy to overlook their severity. In some cases, adrenaline from a car accident may mask these warning signs, making early detection even more urgent.

Learn how medical professionals determine whether a person has sustained internal injuries and why a prompt diagnosis is vital.

The Importance of Diagnostic Imaging

Imaging technologies provide a visual representation of the body’s internal structures, allowing doctors to identify damage that might not be apparent during a physical exam. Some common imaging techniques used include:

• X-Rays: An X-ray detects fractures, dislocations, and internal bleeding by passing radiation through the body to produce images of bones and other dense tissues. However, X-rays may not always reveal soft tissue damage, such as injuries to organs.

• CT Scans: A computed tomography (CT) scan uses multiple X-rays from various angles to provide a detailed cross-section of the body’s internal structure. While CT scans can identify organ damage, internal bleeding, and TBIs, they may not always capture certain soft tissue injuries or subtle neurological issues.

• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s soft tissues. It is used to detect injuries like torn ligaments, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding. However, MRI scans take a long time to complete, so they may not always be the first choice in emergencies.

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, uses sound waves to produce images of the body’s internal structures. Though used to assess internal bleeding, abdominal injuries, or damage to internal organs like the liver or spleen, it may not provide as much detail as other imaging techniques.

In many cases, a combination of these tests is necessary to diagnose internal injuries accurately. For example, if an X-ray shows no broken bones but the patient still experiences severe pain, a doctor might order a CT scan or MRI to rule out soft tissue damage or internal bleeding. If an ultrasound detects internal bleeding, additional imaging may be needed to identify the exact source and severity of the injury.

How Blood Tests Reveal Internal Injuries

Blood tests are another essential tool for diagnosing internal injuries, as they can reveal signs of internal bleeding, organ damage, or infection. Doctors may order blood tests to detect certain enzymes, proteins, or markers that indicate an injury:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC test measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets in the blood. A lower-than-normal red blood cell count may indicate internal bleeding, while an elevated white blood cell count could suggest inflammation or infection.

• Liver and Kidney Enzyme Tests: Doctors can conduct blood and urine tests to measure liver and kidney enzymes and assess their condition. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) or kidney enzymes (BUN, creatinine) can suggest that these organs are damaged or malfunctioning.

• Lactic Acid Levels: The body produces lactic acid when some tissues don’t receive enough oxygen. High levels of lactic acid in the blood, known as lactic acidosis, can indicate shock, sepsis, tissue damage, or internal bleeding.

The Role of Physical Exams

In addition to imaging and blood tests, physical exams are often used to detect signs of internal injuries. A physical exam may include:

• Abdominal Palpation: Doctors may press gently on different areas of the abdomen to check for tenderness, swelling, or rigidity, which can be signs of internal bleeding or organ damage.

• Vital Signs Monitoring: Abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate can indicate shock or blood loss. For example, a rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure during an exam may suggest blood or fluid loss.

• Neurological Examination: If a traumatic brain injury is suspected, a neurological exam may assess the patient’s cognitive function, reflexes, and level of consciousness.

Why Prompt Diagnosis Matters

A timely diagnosis for internal injuries is vital to prevent complications and ensure the right treatment. Delaying medical attention can worsen symptoms, cause permanent damage, or be life-threatening.

If you’ve been involved in a traumatic event like a car accident, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional right away—even if you don’t feel any pain at first. The symptoms of internal injuries can be delayed, hidden by adrenaline, or show no obvious signs. Early evaluations are necessary to detect these symptoms.

Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been in an accident and suffered internal injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and explore your legal options. Consulting with skilled Alabama car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for a range of damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping accident victims get the financial support necessary for recovery. We can assist you in documenting your injuries, building a solid case, and representing you until you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help.