Why Am I Nauseous/Vomiting After a Car Accident? Here’s What It Means

Car accidents can be scary and jarring—they can leave a lasting impact on various systems in your body. While physical injuries are immediately visible, what about the symptoms that may show up hours or even days after the incident? Nausea and vomiting may seem like common side effects of a minor fender bender, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Here are some of the medical reasons for nausea and vomiting after a car accident:

Seat Belt Injuries

One of the main causes of nausea and vomiting after a car accident is seat belt injuries. Though seat belts are designed to save lives, they can still cause injuries in certain situations. When we wear a seatbelt during an accident, the force of the impact is absorbed by our body which may lead to bruising, irritation, and even damage to our internal organs. If the seat belt was worn too tightly or at the wrong angle, it can lead to discomfort and pain in the stomach. This, in turn, may cause feelings of nausea and vomiting to develop.

Vertigo

Another common medical reason for nausea and vomiting after a car accident is Vertigo. It’s characterized by dizzy spells; nausea or vomiting; and feelings of disorientation. It is often caused by a disturbance in the inner ear, which can happen during a car crash. Nausea and vomiting can be one of the symptoms of vertigo and can last for hours, days, weeks, or longer.

Mental Health Concerns

Anxiety, stress, and fear are not just mental symptoms that can arise following a traumatic event like a car accident. They can also cause physical symptoms like nausea and vomiting. It is common for people to feel nervous or anxious when they are in a high-pressure situation, and a car accident can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. The stress caused by an accident can lead to nausea and vomiting, making it difficult to eat or drink.

Shock

Another medical reason for nausea and vomiting after a car accident is shock. Shock is a reaction that our bodies have when they experience something traumatic. The body goes into a fight-or-flight mode and releases hormones like adrenaline, which can affect our digestive system. The changes in hormones can irritate or inflame the stomach, leading to discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Traumatic Brain Injury

If you suffer a head injury during a car accident, you may experience nausea and vomiting due to a possible concussion. This type of traumatic brain injury can arise when impact to the head causes the brain to shake forcefully. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of a concussion and can set in several hours after the accident has occurred. Diagnosis and treatment from a medical expert in TBI are critical to support your full recovery.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury that occurs after a car accident when there’s a sudden and intense jerking movement in the neck, which can cause damage to the spinal cord, ligaments, and muscles. Your body may respond to the neck pain caused by the whiplash with nausea and vomiting.

Feeling Sick After a Car Accident? Call Impact Medical of Lutz Today

Feeling nauseous or vomiting after a car accident is not uncommon. These physical symptoms may appear days after an accident and can arise due to a variety of medical reasons. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after a car accident. The caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of Lutz can identify the underlying causes and treat them promptly, ensuring your road to recovery is quick and smooth. Call us today at (813) 536-0373 to schedule your free medical evaluation.