Recognizing Neck Injuries: Symptoms, Causes & Initial Response

Recognizing a neck injury can mean the difference between a person becoming paralyzed or recovering from the injury. Neck injury is common in falls and accidents, especially rear-end auto collisions or any accident that involves a blow to the head. While a doctor will be able to make the most accurate diagnosis, it is important that you are able to determine the impact and extent of a neck injury at the scene of the accident and take steps to protect the victim from any further injury.

Instructions

First Response

• 1

  Immediately immobilize the victim's head, neck and back if you suspect a neck injury, and call paramedics.

• 2

  Place something soft, such as blankets, towels or pillows, on either side of the victim's head to prevent motion.

• 3

  Monitor the victim for loss of movement and any development of numbness.

Signs and Symptoms

• 4

  Check circulation, sensation and movement in the victim's arms, hands, legs and feet. Ask if he can feel your touch.

• 5

  Ask the victim if she feels any localized pain, tenderness, stiffness, numbness or tingling.

• 6

  Look for symptoms of neck injury such as muscle spasms or sudden loss of bladder and bowel control.

• 7

  Avoid moving the patient unless it is to save his life.

Diagnosis

• 8

  Locating severe pain over a bone can indicate fracture or injury to a ligament.

• 9

  Locating shooting pain, such as pain radiating to the shoulder, shoulder blades and arms (with or without tingling), can be a sign of a neurological problem.

• 10

  Locating weakness in the extremities, or walking with stiff legs and a shuffled gait, can also indicate a neurological problem.