For many Mississippi residents, car accidents occur when they’re least expected. Such an experience can leave a person reeling from serious injuries. Knowing what type of doctor to see after you’ve been in a car accident is crucial.
Doctors to see after your accident
Seeking emergency medical care is urgent for severe injuries after a car accident. If you’re OK but feel sore after a few days, see your primary care doctor. If they discover you have a specific injury after an evaluation, they will refer you to one or more specialists.
Seeing a specialist for your injury
Depending on your injury after the collision, you can expect different situations. If you’re consulting with an orthopedist, you might have a spinal injury such as a herniated disc in your neck or back. You will undergo diagnostic testing such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to rule out certain injuries.
If you sustained head trauma during the car accident, your doctor will refer you to a neurologist to rule out a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The neurologist will diagnose you by performing an examination to check your sensory and motor function, thinking ability, coordination, reflexes and eye movement.
CT scans and MRIs are not always effective at detecting TBIs, but these tests can be useful in ruling out severe brain injuries. They can also locate bleeding in the brain that requires immediate intervention.
For fractures or damage to joints such as the knee, your primary care doctor might refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. Again, imaging tests can determine whether you have suffered broken bones or damage to the muscles, tendons and tissue surrounding a joint. If you need surgery, you will also be referred to a physical therapist after you heal.
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. You might be surprised to learn that you’ve sustained an injury that needs treatment.