When you get into a car, one thing that you should do is put on your seat belt. Using a seat belt can reduce the risk of injuries or death in a car crash. There is no question that they’ve made it safer to ride in a car.
Unfortunately, there is a risk that you could be injured by a seat belt, too. Seat belts cause injuries that can range from neck and spine injuries to injuries to the aorta or supra-aortic arteries. Intra-abdominal injuries are possible, leading to pain and potential organ involvement. It’s possible for seat belt use to lead to small bowel perforations, bleeding in the abdomen and other serious injuries.
After a crash, a physical exam is a must
After any car crash, it’s a must to have a physical exam. Why? You may need an abdominal CT scan to identify if there is damage to the organs or bleeding in your abdomen.
When do medical providers seek CT scans for patients who have been in car crashes?
There are many reasons why doctors seek those scans. For seat belt-related injuries, medical providers may order a CT scan if they see that there is a bruise from the seat belt. This bruising means that there has been a great deal of force on the body. If the patient has pain in the abdomen, this may also mean that they need a CT scan.
No matter what kind of crash you’re involved in, if you’re wearing a seat belt, there could be a risk of injury. Make sure you take steps to get the medical care you need as soon as you can.
