By Anderson Cummings Drawhorn on July 9, 2025
Experiencing nausea or vomiting after a car crash is common but sometimes it may be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as concussion or internal injury. It is important to seek medical attention promptly to protect your health. Injuries like these are dangerous if left untreated, and in the worst cases can be life-threatening.
Below we discuss some possible reasons for nausea and vomiting following a car accident, which could range from traumatic brain injuries to internal damage. Consulting with a lawyer at the right time is key to ensuring you receive appropriate medical care and fair compensation for your injuries.
Injured by the negligence of another driver? At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, our experienced car accident lawyers in Fort Worth are prepared to help. We offer a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your situation and determine if you may have legal options. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs to pay.
Need legal assistance? Call Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn today : (817) 920-9000
The human body may often respond to traumatic events with nausea. This may only be the aftermath of the body’s fight-or-flight response or other emotional stress. However, sometimes nausea, especially when accompanied by vomiting and other symptoms, could indicate internal injuries.
Internal injuries that may cause post-accident nausea and vomiting often arise from:
Severe head injuries can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, causing nausea and vomiting as the body responds to the trauma. These and other symptoms may develop immediately or appear gradually over several hours.
Most TBIs that occur each year are classified as mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a mild TBI or concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.
This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull, lead to chemical changes in the brain, and result in stretching and damage to brain cells.
Injuries to the neck’s delicate structures can irritate nerves and disrupt the system that controls balance, commonly causing waves of nausea and disorientation.
Whiplash occurs when the neck is rapidly forced back and forth, straining muscles, nerves, ligaments, and discs in the cervical spine. The Cleveland Clinic notes this injury is common in car crashes and can affect both physical and neurological systems.
Nausea linked to whiplash may stem from reduced circulation in the neck that limits blood flow to the brain or inner ear, disruption of the vestibular system that controls balance, and muscle tension or spasms in the neck and shoulders that send pain to nearby areas like the head or jaw. Together, these effects can disturb your sense of stability and lead to lasting queasiness after the injury.
Additional symptoms may include neck stiffness and pain, frequent headaches, and episodes of dizziness. Some individuals also report blurred vision, poor sleep, or trouble with memory and focus. Discomfort may extend to the shoulders, upper back, or arms, and fatigue is common. In some cases, a ringing sensation in the ears may also occur.
These injuries are serious and may be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and shortness of breath. They require immediate medical attention.
Nausea, in this context, may be a sign of internal bleeding or shock. Victims might also experience lightheadedness, a drop in blood pressure, or pale and clammy skin. Trauma to organs like the liver, kidneys, or spleen can provoke nausea as the body struggles to maintain internal stability. A sudden onset of nausea paired with abdominal tenderness should be treated as a medical emergency.
It can cause severe vertigo, dizziness, and associated nausea that may persist for days or weeks after the accident.
The inner ear plays a vital role in maintaining balance. Damage sustained from a crash, whether due to direct trauma or changes in pressure from rapid motion, may disrupt the vestibular system. Such disruption can result in persistent nausea, sensitivity to motion, balance issues, or the feeling that the room is spinning. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, may also occur alongside these symptoms, further affecting equilibrium and increasing discomfort. Even minor inner ear trauma can lead to prolonged disturbances that significantly interfere with daily activities.
Nausea can be an emotional response to the crash, but this type of nausea should be short-lived.
Psychological trauma from a car accident can manifest physically. In the hours or days following a collision, emotional stress can lead to symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, trembling, and rapid breathing. While these symptoms often subside as your emotional state stabilizes, in some cases, they may signal a more lasting condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may require mental health support.
Injuries to the chest area, especially to the diaphragm or surrounding tissues, could cause victims to feel nauseous.
When the chest sustains impact, the pain from fractured ribs, bruised muscles, or strained cartilage can make breathing difficult. This restriction can reduce oxygen intake, contributing to nausea. Injuries to the diaphragm can also interfere with digestive processes and trigger a queasy or unsettled feeling, especially when moving, coughing, or taking deep breaths.
Spinal trauma can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like digestion.
When the spinal cord or nearby structures are injured, the brain may have trouble sending clear signals to the digestive tract. This disruption can result in slower digestion, bloating, or feelings of nausea. Pain from spinal injuries may also worsen when changing positions or sitting for extended periods, which can further upset the stomach. These issues often require attention from a neurologist or other specialized medical provider.
Early medical intervention can improve recovery outcomes by identifying non-apparent injuries before they worsen. This gives caretakers time to establish a care procedure, the right treatment and guidance to help patients heal properly.
While brief nausea might be expected after an accident, certain symptoms demand immediate emergency care:
Post-accident nausea is not only an inconvenience but can be a signal of serious underlying medical issues that, if left untreated, can cause significant health issues. Taking these symptoms seriously and seeking medical help can greatly impact your recovery and overall health.
The brain plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, any damage to the brain could result in nausea. Even mild traumatic brain injuries require prompt medical attention. It is important to note that symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop hours or even days after the injury.
A type of mild TBI often causes nausea and vomiting. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can linger for days or weeks. It is vital a medical professional evaluate head injuries as a concussion could be a sign of a serious medical complication.
Nausea can sometimes point to internal bleeding or damage to organs. Injuries to the stomach, liver, or other abdominal organs may occur during impact. If you suspect you have internal bleeding, seek immediate emergency treatment.
Some individuals experience ongoing symptoms, including persistent nausea, weeks or months after the initial injury. This condition can impact daily life and may require specialized care
The most important reason for seeking medical attention right after a crash is to protect your health. Internal injuries, especially, can put your health at risk if not quickly treated.
In addition to prioritizing your health, your emergency room or follow-up medical appointment creates important medical records documenting your visit. This documentation includes what diagnostic tests were done, what injuries the doctor diagnoses, your plan of care and more. It also tracks the dates of these appointments. All of that information can be used to link your injuries to the crash that caused them, strengthening your case.
Ignoring post-accident nausea might can lead to a range of serious consequences that may impact various aspects of your life.
It is important to seek legal representation if you find yourself in any of the following situations:
If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting after a Fort Worth car crash or facing other challenges with your claim, seek medical attention right away. After your injuries have been stabilized, we recommend seeking legal help.
At Anderson Cummings & Drawhorn, our highly qualified legal team helps injured victims every day, including those with internal crash injuries. We have extensive knowledge of the law and a history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Deadlines apply, however, so it is important to contact us sooner, rather than later. We offer a free consultation where you can get answer to your questions and learn if you may have legal options.
Call Our Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers Today: (817) 920-9000
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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