After The Missouri Car Crash: Physical Medical Exams

After a car accident, a doctor will perform a physical medical exam to assess your injuries and overall health. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during this exam:

Initial Evaluation:

• Medical History: The doctor will ask about your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications you take, and allergies.
• Accident Details: They'll inquire about the details of the accident, such as the force of impact, your position in the vehicle, and if you lost consciousness at any point.

Physical Examination:

• Vital Signs: The doctor will measure your blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry (oxygen levels), and respiration rate to assess your body's basic functioning.
• Head and Neck: The doctor will examine your head and neck for cuts, bruises, tenderness, or signs of head injury like dizziness or confusion.
• Back and Spine: Your back and spine will be checked for pain, tenderness, or deformities that might indicate spinal injuries.
• Abdomen: The doctor will palpate (feel) your abdomen to check for organ damage or internal bleeding.
• Arms and Legs: A range of motion test will be conducted in your arms and legs to assess for muscle strains, fractures, or nerve damage.
• Neurological Evaluation: This might involve checking your reflexes, balance, coordination, and cognitive function to rule out potential head injuries or neurological issues.

Additional Tests (if needed):

• X-rays: These are often used to visualize bones and identify fractures.
• CT Scans: These provide detailed cross-sectional images to examine internal injuries, bleeding, or damage to soft tissues or organs.
• MRIs: Magnetic resonance imaging can create detailed pictures of muscles, ligaments, and the brain, useful for diagnosing soft tissue injuries or concussions.

What to Expect After the Exam:

• Diagnosis: Based on the exam and any tests performed, the doctor will provide you with a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
• Treatment Plan: The treatment plan might involve medication, pain management, physical therapy, or further specialist consultations depending on the severity of your injuries.
• Follow-up Appointments: The doctor will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Remember: It's important to be honest and forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms, even if they seem minor. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and ensures you receive the proper treatment.

Here are some additional tips for your physical medical exam after a car accident:

• Bring a list of medications you take.
• Ask questions if you don't understand anything.
• Take notes during the exam.
• If you have any concerns, voice them to the doctor.

By being prepared and participating actively in your medical evaluation, you can ensure a more thorough assessment and a proper treatment plan for your post-accident recovery.