Serious car crash injuries often involve broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal injuries and, in some cases, amputations and burns. However, a crash can also cause damage to the heart.
A myocardial contusion (sometimes called cardiac contusion) is a bruise on the heart muscle caused by blunt force. It can be caused by chest striking a hard surface or object. Those who suffer a myocardial contusion this way often fracture their sternum, or breastbone, as well.
Myocardial contusions aren’t as common in crashes as they used to be since most cars on the road have airbags (at least for the front seats) to prevent people from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. However, a high-impact crash combined with the force of the airbag deployment can still cause this injury.
Symptoms of a myocardial contusion
In the aftermath of a crash, occupants of the vehicles and even first responders and medical professionals who treat them typically focus on the most obvious injuries, like those noted above. However, anyone who has suffered a blow to the chest should also get a heart evaluation as well – especially if they’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chest pains
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
Sometimes, people might feel like they’re suffering a heart attack. That’s not common, but it’s certainly possible. Either way, it’s important for the right testing to be done as soon as possible to determine whether there has been damage to the heart.
A myocardial contusion isn’t always a serious injury. Milder ones can heal in a few weeks. More serious ones can result in permanent heart damage. If a serious myocardial contusion isn’t detected early and treated properly, it can become fatal.
You can never know the full extent and long-term consequences of injuries suffered in a crash. That’s one reason it’s never smart to agree to a settlement with an insurer until you have a clear idea of the financial and other impacts on your life. By getting experienced legal guidance as soon as possible, you can protect your right to fair compensation from a reckless or negligent driver.