Have You Been Rejected by Social Security Disability?

If you have sustained a neck injury as a result of a motorcycle accident, you may have experienced neck pain, stiffness, diminished mobility, and decreased range-of-motion. While these are the most common symptoms, there are other, less common manifestations of accident-related neck trauma.

Although your injuries may resolve in time, they may be permanent, leading to disability. If you have sustained severe or permanent injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle accident law firm to determine if you should pursue litigation. Here are three unusual manifestations of a motorcycle accident-related injury: 

Difficulty Swallowing

Crushing neck injuries can damage the trachea or windpipe. If this occurs, you may have difficulty swallowing, and may even experience a choking sensation when eating or drinking. The feeling of choking doesn't necessarily mean that your windpipe has been crushed.

It can simply indicate that you have sustained damage to the muscles and surrounding structures of your trachea. If you have trouble swallowing after being in a motorcycle accident, seek emergency medical treatment. You will need diagnostic imaging tests to determine whether you have trachea damage or simply soft tissue inflammation. 

Incontinence

Severe injuries to the neck and spine can lead to urinary incontinence, and in some cases, bowel incontinence. This is especially true if you have sustained spinal cord damage with resultant nerve impairment.

If the nerves associated with your bladder and lower digestive tract have been damaged or become inflamed as a result of trauma, you may experience urinary leakage, bladder pain, and urinary retention. If your motorcycle accident caused only inflammatory changes to the nerves and structures of the urinary tract, your symptoms will resolve once the inflammation has subsided.

If, however, nerve damage is permanent and you experience urinary incontinence or retention, your doctor may recommend that you use a catheter to help facilitate normal voiding. If you require a permanent urinary catheter because of your injuries, you may be eligible to recover monetary damages as a result of your motor vehicle accident. 

Taste And Smell Abnormalities

Neck and spinal cord injuries can also lead to taste and smell impairments. If the olfactory and gustatory nerves are inflamed or damaged as a result of your motorcycle accident, you may experience the inability to smell or taste. In some cases, olfactory and gustatory nerve damage can make things smell smokey or taste metallic or bitter.

If you notice a change in any of your senses, see your healthcare provider. Most of the time, once the inflammation has subsided and the nerves have repaired themselves, your smelling and tasting abilities will return to normal.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and have sustained severe or permanent health problems, work with both your physician and lawyer to determine if you should pursue a lawsuit. You may be entitled to monetary damages to help cover your current and future medical expenses, as well as for your pain and suffering.