Headaches After a Car Accident
Headaches and migraines are fairly common following an auto accident, but you should seek medical attention as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Never chalk it up to stress or something else since you could be suffering from a far more severe injury.
Causes of Headaches After a Car Accident
Debilitating headaches after an accident are generally referred to as “post-traumatic headaches.” Some common causes of post-traumatic headaches after an accident includes:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain gets shaken after the head hits on a hard surface. Brain injuries can also have other signs such as blurred vision, dizziness, and memory problems.
Neck Injuries
A pinched nerve, herniated or bulging disc in the spine and at the base of the skull can result in severe headaches.
Blows
During an accident, your head can bump into the steering wheel or any other hard surface. That impact can cause headaches.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a condition that occurs due to sudden jolting of the neck when an accident happens. It can also cause other symptoms such as neck stiffness and soreness.
It’s not easy to know the cause of headaches after an accident injury unless you are properly assessed.
Post-Traumatic Headache Symptoms
Victims can begin suffering a headache immediately after a car accident or hours or even days later.
Signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- A constant dull or aching pain in the head
- Feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head
- Scalp, neck, and shoulder muscle tenderness
- Loss of appetite (in some cases)
Some examples of signs and symptoms of a migraine headache include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light
- Visual disturbances
- Sensitivity to certain smells and movement
- Sleep problems
- Issues with balance
- Ringing in ears
How Long Do Headaches After a Car Accident Last?
Victims may have headache symptoms that are intermittent or constant. Some may last only 30 minutes, while other victims are impacted for weeks on end.
Chronic headaches after an accident occur for 15 days or more a month for at least three months. Any less frequent, the headaches are considered “episodic.”
Why You Should Seek Medical Attention for Headaches After an Accident
If you wait too long to seek medical attention for headaches after an accident, you risk developing serious complications. Rather than treating the headaches with medications, chiropractic treatment, or physical therapy, you might end up requiring invasive medical procedures for relief. Seeking the necessary treatment quickly may alleviate the pain and ensure it doesn’t recur in the future.
Steps to Take After an Accident
After you’ve sought treatment, keep a written record of your headaches. Write down as much information as possible, including the time, date, severity, duration, and any treatment you receive. Keep a log of your daily symptoms and how the headaches are interfering with your everyday life.
In addition, keep all medical paperwork, including any bills for doctor visits, tests, and prescriptions. Thorough records can help document your pain and suffering, along with the financial costs you incur. Should you decide to file a lawsuit to seek damages with the help of a car accident lawyer, any documentation will increase your chances of recovering compensation.