Neurological Disorders After an Injury

An accident can be a life-altering event, not just because of the immediate physical and emotional trauma, but also due to the hidden injuries that could surface days or weeks later. Among the most serious of these are neurological disorders. Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and can have long-lasting effects on your health and quality of life. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident – especially when you are facing complex medical issues.

What are neurological disorders?

Per the Cleveland Clinic:

Neurological disorders are conditions that target how your nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) functions. There are hundreds of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and meningitis, for example. They cause symptoms that affect how you move, think and feel.

Your nervous system regulates everything you do. It helps you breathe, swallow, sleep and move. It allows your heart to beat and your body to age. It assists with processes like digestion. It also coordinates your senses and helps you speak, learn and remember. These are only a few of the many things that your nervous system does.

What are some common neurological disorders caused by accidents?

It does not matter if it is a car crash, a slip and fall, medical malpractice, or another kind of accident. Neurological disorders can be caused by various incidents. Some of these disorders include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a physical trauma causes damage to the brain. A TBI can happen when the head strikes an object or when the brain is jostled inside the skull. Symptoms of TBI include headaches, dizziness or confusion, trouble remembering, changes in mood or behavior, nausea or vomiting, and a loss of consciousness. If you suspect a TBI, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can help prevent complications.
• An injury to the spinal cord can result in either partial or complete loss of function below the site of injury. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury (SCI) include numbness or tingling in limbs, loss of movement or paralysis, and loss of bladder or bowel control. SCIs often require long-term rehabilitation and can lead to permanent disability.
• The impact from a serious accident can cause discs in the spine to herniate, pressing on nearby nerves. This can lead to sharp pain in the back or neck, radiating pain down the arms or legs, and muscle weakness. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to preventing chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the peripheral nerves, which can lead to tingling or burning sensations, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to touch. Peripheral neuropathy can result from direct trauma or as a secondary complication from other injuries.
• Radiculopathy happens when the nerve roots are compressed, leading to pain radiating from the spine to the extremities, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness. This condition often results from herniated discs or spinal injuries sustained during something like a car accident.

What are the general symptoms of neurological disorders?

Neurological symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident. It is important to monitor for signs and symptoms like:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Memory problems
• Mood swings or personality changes
• Sleep disturbances

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek a medical evaluation promptly. Remember, after an accident, it is essential to undergo a thorough medical exam, even if you feel fine. Some neurological injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can have long-term consequences. An early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and better physical outcomes.

Why symptoms of neurological disorders do not show up right away

After an accident, like a car crash, your body produces adrenaline, which can mask pain and symptoms. And, some neurological injuries can take time to develop, especially those involving swelling or severe inflammation. That is why it is so important to keep track of how you feel in the days and weeks following an accident. You can not assume you are fine just because you walked away. If something feels off or wrong, even if it seems small, talk to a doctor immediately.

How do doctors diagnose and treat neurological disorders?

After any type of accident, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. This is so they can order tests, including:

• MRI or CT scans to look for brain or spinal injuries
• Nerve conduction studies to detect nerve damage
• Neurological exams to test your reflexes and brain function

Early diagnosis can make a big difference in your recovery. Some neurological issues are treatable with medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Others may require long-term care or lifestyle changes.

What are my legal rights after a Nashville neurological injury?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, like a distracted or drunk driver, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for your injuries and losses. Here in Tennessee, you can recover compensation for the following:

• Your medical bills, including hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future care
• Lost wages, if your injury keeps you from working now or in the future
• Pain and suffering, for your physical pain and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injury prevents you from doing the activities you once enjoyed
• Punitive damages, in rare cases where the other party was reckless or malicious

Here in Nashville, we use a system called modified comparative fault. This means you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the insurance company does not believe me?

Unfortunately, many insurance companies try to downplay neurological injuries, especially if you did not go to the ER right after the crash or if your injuries do not show up clearly on an X-ray. They might claim you are exaggerating or that your symptoms are from something else. That is why it is so important to keep records, including

• Medical reports and test results
• Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
• Photos of your injuries
• Journal entries describing your symptoms
• Witness statements

Having an experienced Nashville injury lawyer on your side can make a huge difference when dealing with insurance companies. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we know how to fight back when insurers try to deny or delay your claim.

Why choose Rocky McElhaney Law Firm for my neurological injury claim?

We have helped countless injury victims in Nashville and across Tennessee recover compensation for serious injuries, including neurological disorders. We know how these injuries work, how they affect your life, and what it takes to win.

Our team can:

• Investigate your accident
• Gather the medical and legal evidence you need
• Negotiate with the insurance companies
• Take your case to court if necessary

We believe that you deserve full compensation, not just for your medical bills, but for the pain, stress, and disruption your injury has caused.

If you suffered a neurological injury because of someone else’s actions, do not wait. Talk to a doctor, keep records, and reach out to a personal injury lawyer who understands what you are going through. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we fight for the injured, and we do not back down. Contact us today for a free consultation. With offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro we are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation today.