What Should You Do If You Have Headaches After A Car Accident?

Headaches are quite common after a car accident. The stress of a car accident alone can be enough to trigger a headache. However, often, it is the force of the impact from a crash that results in headaches. Unfortunately, headaches after a car accident can signify a serious injury. Even a minor headache could be an indication of a serious injury. The following is a look at some of the most common types of headaches after a car accident and what you should do if you have headaches after a car accident.

Types of Headaches After a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause different types of headaches. The following are some of the most common types of headaches after a car accident;

Post-traumatic Headaches

Post-traumatic headaches are some of the most common types of headaches after a car accident. Often, a post-traumatic headache is caused by trauma to the head and neck. There are post-concussive post-traumatic headaches that originate from head trauma, and there are cervicogenic post-traumatic headaches that originate from trauma to the soft tissue of the neck. There are also neurological post-traumatic headaches that originate from trauma to a nerve root. Usually, post-traumatic headaches don’t appear until days or weeks after a car accident.

Post-concussive Headaches (Migraine Headaches)

This type of post-traumatic headache occurs because of a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury that arises due to a blow or sudden jolt to the head. Other concussion symptoms include confusion, memory loss, dizziness, clouded thoughts, sleep problems, and depression.

Muscle-contraction or Spasm Headaches

During a car crash, the impact to the neck and head may injure or tear soft tissue. This may result in a spasm or strain of the muscles. Muscle strain can lead to a headache. Muscle strain can also result in tenderness in the affected muscle, pain during certain movements, and a reduced range of motion.

Fracture Headaches

When the skull or a neck bone gets fractured in a car accident, it can result in fracture headaches. Usually, when someone is experiencing fracture headaches, the pain will be the worst at the back of the neck or head or localized near the injury site. If left untreated, a skull fracture can become life-threatening.

Whiplash Headaches

Whiplash headaches usually involve neck stiffness and pain, fatigue, and shoulder pain. It is common to experience these headaches after suffering a whiplash injury in a car accident. Whiplash is an injury that arises after the head and neck are exposed to a sudden force.

What To Do if You Have Headaches After a Car Accident

If you are experiencing headaches after your car accident, do not ignore them. Instead, see a doctor. A doctor can provide a full evaluation and formal diagnosis so you can begin treatment. Once you see a doctor, ensure you adhere to the treatment plan they advise.

After seeking medical attention, consult a qualified car accident attorney. You might be eligible to pursue compensation for your injury from an at-fault party if your car accident was another party’s fault. An attorney can help you through the complex claims process.

Contact a London Auto Accident Attorney

At Cessna & George Law Firm, our London auto accident attorneys have helped countless car accident victims who’ve suffered at the hands of negligent parties. We can help you too. You can reach us by calling 606-770-5400.

Source:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557