Author: Dr. Jack Norsworthy

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no actual motion. It’s more than just dizziness—it’s a disturbing imbalance that can affect your ability to walk, drive, or even sit up comfortably. In the aftermath of a car accident, vertigo can be a signal that something deeper is going on.

Can Vertigo Be Delayed After a Car Accident?

Yes. Many accident victims experience symptoms of vertigo days or even weeks after their initial trauma. This phenomenon is known as delayed vertigo after a car accident, and it’s more common than most people realize.

During a collision, the body undergoes immense force—even in minor crashes. The sudden jolt can affect the brain, inner ear, neck, and spine. These injuries don’t always cause symptoms right away. In some cases, inflammation, swelling, or subtle damage can worsen over time, leading to a delayed onset of vertigo.

Causes of Delayed Vertigo After a Car Accident

There are several reasons you might develop vertigo after a car accident, and often, the cause isn’t obvious without a proper evaluation. Some of the most common include:

The Dangers of Having Feet on the Dashboard

Riding with your feet on the dashboard significantly increases the risk of severe injuries in an accident. If the airbags deploy while your feet are elevated, the force can cause devastating injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and even spinal trauma. A feet on dashboard airbag injury can lead to long-term mobility issues, making it critical to seek medical care immediately.

When the airbag deploys, it inflates at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. If a passenger’s legs are resting on the dashboard, the explosive force can propel their knees toward their face or twist their lower body into unnatural positions. Common consequences of this type of injury include:

Common Causes of Hip Pain After an Auto Accident

There are several ways a car crash can result in hip pain. The impact of a collision can force the hip joint into unnatural positions, causing damage to bones, muscles, ligaments, or nerves. One of the most serious injuries is a hip fracture, which typically occurs when the femur—the thigh bone—breaks near the hip joint. This injury is extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.

Hip dislocation is another possible outcome of a car accident, occurring when the ball of the femur is pushed out of its socket. This can damage surrounding ligaments and nerves, leading to intense pain, numbness, and loss of function in the leg. In some cases, individuals may also experience a labral tear, which affects the cartilage surrounding the hip joint. Labral tears can cause a deep ache in the hip, clicking sensations, and instability.

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are also common after a crash. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can cause persistent discomfort and stiffness over time. Additionally, damage to the sciatic nerve—one of the longest nerves in the body—can lead to radiating pain from the hip down the leg, making everyday movements difficult.

Signs You Should Seek Medical Attention

Not all hip injuries present immediate symptoms, which is why it’s important to monitor how your body responds in the days following an accident. If you notice any of the following, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue: