Ongoing Symptoms After a Car Accident
Age 29, height 5 feet, weight 187 pounds, located in the USA. Current medications include Abilify, Ajovy, Vyvanse, and Allegra. Medical history: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and osteoarthritis in both sacroiliac joints. On Tuesday, I was involved in a car accident where I was rear-ended while halted to take a turn, with the other vehicle traveling at 55 mph. The impact caused my head to jolt against the headrest, resulting in an immediate headache that felt bruised. I also suffered from severe whiplash and possibly a shoulder sprain. Throughout this ordeal, I have been plagued by this persistent headache. Though I wore my seatbelt and the airbags did not deploy, the force of the crash was substantial enough to dislodge the vents from my dashboard. Given my prior injuries and the severity of the accident, I was transported by ambulance for evaluation. This experience has felt distinctly worse than previous accidents I've encountered, especially considering my history of concussions. On-site, I lacked an appetite and was nauseated enough to vomit before I arrived at the hospital. X-rays of my neck and back returned with unremarkable results, leading to my discharge. The following day, I attempted to eat again but ended up throwing up. I didn’t think much of it and returned to work, as I cannot afford to take time off. I also went back to medical attention because my shoulder felt dislocated; however, it was determined to be a severe sprain based on the neck CT scan and shoulder X-rays performed. For about twelve hours, I managed to keep some food down, but I was abruptly awakened by severe acid reflux and intense vomiting, which I can only liken to my experiences with hyperemesis gravidarum. This episode included some blood, prompting me to return to the emergency room. An abdominal CT scan was performed, but again, no abnormalities were identified despite the tenderness I was experiencing. Currently, I struggle to retain any food, even with the Zofran prescribed to me, although I can maintain a small amount of fluids. However, I am also now dealing with diarrhea. Is it typical to experience these symptoms following an accident? I have never faced anything of this nature before. Additionally, I feel quite lightheaded, although my blood glucose levels have remained in the 90-110 range. I am hesitant to visit the ER again as I feel like my concerns have been overlooked.
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 3:21:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a significant and distressing situation following your car accident, especially given your pre-existing conditions. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially with persistent symptoms like headaches, severe nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.
Summary of Main Points:
- Persistent headaches and severe vomiting after trauma can be concerning, especially in the context of your medical history.
- While some symptoms may develop from the accident, others could indicate a need for further evaluation.
Explanation:
After a car accident, it’s common to experience a variety of symptoms due to physical trauma. Headaches, whiplash, and potential sprains can stem from the impact. However, severe vomiting and lightheadedness, particularly if they persist or worsen, warrant careful consideration, especially given your history of concussions and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Stress and injury can also amplify symptoms of pre-existing conditions like POTS.
It's understandable that you feel your concerns have been overlooked, but some symptoms such as severe vomiting (especially with blood) can signal complications that should not be ignored.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated. Drink small sips of clear fluids or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration, especially if vomiting persists.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting any changes, severity, and triggering factors. This information can help clarify your case to medical professionals.
- Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief, like acetaminophen (if safe for you), to help manage headache discomfort. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen as they can irritate the stomach.
- Diet Modifications: Since you’re struggling with food retention, while it's tough, try to eat very small, bland meals (like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast - known as the BRAT diet) when you feel able to. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods that may worsen nausea.
- Rest and Positioning: Ensure you have adequate rest. When resting, try to stay in a comfortable position that does not strain your neck or back. If you feel lightheaded, elevate your feet slightly to improve circulation.
- Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience worsening symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, increased vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, do not hesitate to return to an ER or urgent care. Your health is the priority, and it’s essential to advocate for your needs.
If these steps do not help or your symptoms worsen, consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider who may be more willing to investigate the root cause of your symptoms or assess ongoing issues more thoroughly.
It’s important to take your symptoms seriously, especially in the context of your accident and existing conditions. Your well-being matters, so please take care and prioritize your health.
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