And in some cases, invasive techniques such as laparotomy (abdominal surgery) may be required to diagnose the injuries that are associated with seat belt syndrome. It is important that you seek medical treatment and have a doctor perform a physical examination if you have any symptoms of abdominal injuries.ĬT scans and focused abdominal sonography in trauma (FAST) are usually required to diagnose trauma and damage to the internal organs. Seat belt syndrome can be very difficult to diagnose as symptoms may not manifest immediately following a car crash. Abdominal pain or pain between the ribs or hips.Changes in bowel movements or urination.Dizziness or weakness that could indicate damage to internal organs.Swelling or discoloration that does not disappear in a few days.Seat belt marks or bruising across the abdomen.Bruising and muscle strain around the abdominal region.If you observe the following symptoms following an accident, you should seek medical care as soon as possible and ask about tests to determine if you have seat belt syndrome. Unfortunately, until other symptoms manifest, it can be hard to detect injury to the internal organs of the abdomen. One of the first symptoms of seat belt syndrome may be bruising to the abdomen alongside abdominal pain. Injuries that might be associated with seat belt syndrome include injuries to the: Seat belt syndrome happens when the seat belt compresses the abdomen during a car accident-causing damage to the internal organs and abdominal wall.

Our car accident care team at Impact Medical Sun City Center explains seat belt syndrome and what you should do if you have been injured by your seat belt during a car crash. But even so, there is evidence that indicates that seat belt use can cause serious injuries to the internal organs of the abdomen, which is known as seat belt syndrome. In many cases, wearing a seat belt while driving or riding in a vehicle is the best choice to reduce the risk of injury and death during an accident. How Can I Tell If I Have Seat Belt Syndrome?

Seatbelt sign trauma