About this topic
Some motor vehicle accidents cause no injuries or you may be hurt just a little. Other times, you may have more serious injuries. You may have injuries that are easy to see like cuts or bruises. Sometimes, it may not look like anything is wrong with you. You may still be taken to the emergency room to be checked to make sure there are no hidden injuries. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. You may have a problem sleeping or changes in sleep patterns. Take time to rest even if you cannot sleep. Take naps during the day.
- You may have pain or muscle soreness for a few days after the accident. Ask the doctor how to control the pain.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The doctor may order some tests to make sure that your injury is fully healed.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Ease muscle spasms
Will physical activity be limited?
You may want to rest for the first few days after the accident. Ask your doctor if you should limit lifting or exercise or certain activities for a time. ‚
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are no specific ways to prevent motor vehicle accidents. Ways you can help to stay safe are: ‚
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Avoid distractions while driving. Do not text or talk on the phone while driving.
- Take breaks and rest periods so you do not get drowsy when driving.
- Take extra care when in high-risk conditions:
- Rain, snow, or bad weather
- Traffic
- Late at night
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden shortness of breath or a sudden onset of chest pain could be a sign that a blood clot has traveled to your lungs. Go to the ER right away.
- Headache or stiff neck that does not get better in 2 to 3 days
- Changes in your speech, memory, or ability to think
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you about how to care for my injury.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel short of breath, have chest pain, or have a headache or stiff neck that does not go away in 2 to 3 days.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of General Medical Sciences ‚
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/Factsheet_Trauma.htm ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-06 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚