Imaging After a Car Accident: What Scans You Might Need

After a car accident, adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Some injuries — like soft tissue damage, small fractures, or internal bleeding — don't show symptoms for hours or even days. That's why imaging is so important after motor vehicle accidents.

When to Seek Imaging

Go to the emergency room immediately if you have: - Loss of consciousness - Severe headache or confusion - Difficulty breathing - Abdominal pain or swelling - Inability to move a limb - Visible deformity

Schedule imaging within 1-3 days if you have: - Persistent neck or back pain - Headaches that don't resolve - Numbness or tingling in arms/legs - Joint pain or swelling - Any pain that worsens over time

Which Scans Are Used?

X-Ray — First Line Usually the first imaging test ordered. X-rays are fast, inexpensive, and excellent for detecting fractures and dislocations in the spine, extremities, ribs, and pelvis. They're also used to check for pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after chest trauma.

CT Scan — Detailed Assessment When X-rays are negative but symptoms persist, or when more detail is needed. CT is the gold standard for detecting internal bleeding and organ damage, complex fractures (especially spine), head injuries and brain bleeding, and abdominal injuries.

MRI — Soft Tissue Injuries MRI is best for injuries that X-rays and CT can't show. It excels at detecting herniated or bulging discs, ligament and tendon tears, spinal cord injuries, muscle damage, and meniscus/cartilage injuries in joints.

Common Post-Accident Injuries Found on Imaging

• **Whiplash** — best evaluated with MRI if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks
• **Herniated discs** — MRI shows disc bulges pressing on nerves
• **Compression fractures** — small vertebral fractures visible on X-ray or CT
• **Concussion** — CT rules out bleeding; MRI evaluates brain structure
• **Rotator cuff tears** — MRI of the shoulder
• **Knee injuries** — MRI for ligament and meniscus tears

Insurance and Documentation

Most auto insurance and personal injury claims require imaging documentation. Having proper diagnostic imaging establishes a medical record of your injuries, supports insurance and legal claims, guides your treatment plan, and provides objective evidence that symptoms are real.

Same-Day Imaging at AMI

We understand that after an accident, you want answers quickly. We offer same-day appointments for X-ray and CT, with most MRI appointments available within 1-2 days. Reports are sent to your physician or attorney within 48 hours.

Call (727) 398-5999 to schedule post-accident imaging.