After being involved in a car crash, it is normal for people to experience pain and suffering. However, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is always recommended to rule out any serious injuries that may cause life-threatening issues and consequences.
When you visit a licensed physician, they will run tests to see where your pain may be coming from, but sometimes these tests come back normal. This may confuse you about what to do or where to turn next.
What Can I Do if My MRI Test Comes Back Normal?
You may think that nothing is wrong since your MRI test came back normal. However, if you still have pain, a normal MRI test does not mean you are not hurt. Instead, your injuries may be hidden or take some time.
Even if your MRI results show nothing wrong with you, it is highly recommended to let your doctor know you are still experiencing pain. By doing this, your doctor can order additional tests, further assess your symptoms, and do more research to find out where your injury might be and why it isn’t showing up on the MRI scan. Some other tests they may order are X-rays, CT scans, blood work, or ultrasounds.
This may benefit you because a different type of test might show something that another did not.
What Do MRI and Other Medical Tests Consist Of?
Depending on the type of car accident you were involved in, your medical history, and the symptoms you are experiencing, the doctor will determine what types of tests may be able to find your source of pain. Here are what each test consists of:
- X-ray: An X-ray looks for broken bones, internal injuries, fractured bones, and dislocated joints. These images are produced from electromagnetic waves.
- CT scan: A computerized tomography (CT scan) takes several different X-ray photos from different angles of the human body. Then, it uses computer processing to show the in-depth parts of your body, such as your bones, tissues, and blood vessels.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound, or sonography, produces sound waves that create images of a person’s insides to diagnose injuries or diseases.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses computer-generated radio waves and magnets to develop photos of tissues and organs in an individual’s body. An MRI also can create 3D photographs of a person’s insides, which can be captured from different angles.
- Blood work or tests: A doctor may order blood tests to determine how well a person’s organs are functioning, such as the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, or thyroid. These tests can also determine if a person has a certain condition, illness, or disease.
Why You Should Get a Second Opinion
If your doctor insists that nothing is wrong with you, but you are still having pain, you should consider getting a second opinion. A second opinion means that you go see another medical provider after being given a diagnosis and medical treatment plan from a different doctor. This opens the door for another professional who is experienced and educated in the issues you are dealing with to look at what you are going through and see if they can give you a better diagnosis.
Although there is a chance that your results may come back the same, you could receive helpful information, further treatment options, and a more accurate prognosis. Keep in mind that some injuries are difficult to see in any type of medical image or test due to bones being in the way or the injury being too small. If you are suffering a spinal cord injury, it is very common for MRI tests to show no abnormalities of the spinal discs and column.
While you may be relieved that your MRI is normal, you should speak with a different doctor and review your pain. There is a chance that your pain may subside and heal over time, but there is also a chance that it could become worse. If you choose to ignore your pain, it could lead to permanent disfigurement, disability, or even death; therefore, it is worth finding out what another physician may suggest.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
If you suffer from severe pain from a car accident that was someone else’s fault, an Atlanta car accident lawyer is here to help you. We will not only assist you with standing up for your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve, but we can also help you connect with the best medical doctors who specialize in the type of care you need in the Atlanta area.
Our team is experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable regarding the laws surrounding auto accidents, and we take our clients’ needs and recovery seriously. Therefore, while you focus on finding the proper medical treatment to alleviate your pain and suffering, our legal team will be working to put together a strong argument against the defendant.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today
Contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer today if you have been injured in a car accident. Our attorneys are dedicated to proving negligence in motor vehicle accidents and ensuring our clients get the medical attention they deserve. We will keep you updated and informed throughout every step of the legal process, ensuring you know and understand everything happening with your case.
Contact us online or call our office as soon as possible for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 for your convenience.
