Car accidents can be painful experiences that cause not only immediate physical injuries but also delayed symptoms that can be just as concerning. One such symptom is a headache. If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing headaches, it’s advisable to understand the possible causes and how to seek help.
The legal team at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz advises that experiencing a post-traumatic headache could be a sign of a serious underlying condition and you should seek medical care immediately. A car accident lawyer handles the legal proceedings to allow you to concentrate on your recovery. Here, we will discuss more on what to do after you experience a headache after a car accident.
Car accidents can indeed cause headaches. In fact, headaches are among the most common symptoms reported after a collision, even if there was no direct impact on the head. The reasons for this vary widely, and a headache following a car accident can be a sign of something as minor as a tension headache or as severe as a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
This kind of headache affects 30% to 90% of people who are diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, as reported by Healthline. Therefore, it’s essential not to dismiss headaches after an auto accident, especially if they persist or worsen over time.
Several types of headaches can develop after a car accident, each stemming from distinct causes. It is advisable to understand these causes to help you identify the severity of your condition and seek appropriate care.
Whiplash denotes a head injury when you suddenly jolt forward and backward as a result of a collision. This rapid movement can strain muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck, causing pain that radiates to the head.
Whiplash headaches are usually tension-type headaches, characterized by a dull, aching pain around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. They can occur immediately after the accident or develop days later and can sometimes become chronic if not treated properly.
Post-traumatic headaches (PTH) are a type of headache that occurs after a head injury, which may result from hitting your head during the accident or the impact. According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries contribute to around 30% of all injury-related deaths. This may happen when your brain moves inside the skull, even without direct contact.
These headaches can mimic tension headaches or migraines and may appear within hours or days after the injury. PTH may last for weeks, months, or even become chronic. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
A car accident can trigger migraines in individuals who are predisposed to them, or it can worsen pre-existing migraines. Migraine headaches are typically very intense and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
The stress and physical trauma of a car accident can trigger a migraine, even if there was no direct injury to the head. These headaches can last for hours to days and often require specific treatment to manage.
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by injury to the cervical spine or the neck region. Damage to the joints, discs, or nerves in the neck during a car accident can lead to pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head.
This type of headache is often confused with migraines or tension headaches but is different in that the source of the pain is the neck rather than the head. Cervicogenic headaches are usually persistent and require specialized treatment, such as chiropractic care.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. They are common in car accidents, even if the victims don’t lose consciousness.
Annually, 1.7 million individuals sustain injuries resulting in traumatic brain injuries. The majority, approximately 75%, are categorized as mild, including cases of concussion. These headaches are often reported to be dull or throbbing pain. Other symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise. It’s advisable to diagnose and treat an injury-related concussion promptly, as symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated.
A subdural hematoma is a serious condition where blood collects between the brain and its outer covering (the dura) due to a tear in the blood vessels. This can occur after a significant head injury associated with truck accidents.
A headache caused by a subdural hematoma is typically severe and progressive. Victims may often show signs of neurological symptoms such as weakness, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness. Mayo Clinic notes that this condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Occipital neuralgia denotes an injury where occipital nerves become inflamed or injured, often due to trauma like a car accident. This causes sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head, neck, and behind the eyes. The pain can be intense and is often mistaken for a migraine. Treatment may involve medications, nerve blocks, or physical therapy.
Experiencing a car accident can lead to psychological injuries that may manifest as headaches. Victims of car accidents often develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following such traumatic events, and one of the physical symptoms of PTSD is frequent headaches.
Additionally, the stress and turmoil associated with recovering from a car accident and seeking compensation can give rise to anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions not only affect emotional well-being but also commonly result in debilitating headaches that may further complicate the recovery process. Luckily, you can leave the legal issues of your case to a lawyer to focus on your healing.
If you experience a headache after a car accident, it’s important to seek proper medical attention to help diagnose the underlying cause. There are many diagnostic tests that can help determine the origin and severity of your headache.
A thorough physical and neurological examination is usually the first step. Your doctor will assess your reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, and sensory function. They’ll also ask about the nature of your headaches, including the onset, duration, location, and any accompanying symptoms. This examination can help rule out serious conditions and guide further testing.
Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are commonly used to detect structural damage to the brain, skull, neck, or spine.
An EEG records the brain’s electrical activity and can help diagnose conditions like epilepsy, which can sometimes be triggered by head trauma. It is less commonly used but can be helpful if you experience seizures or other unusual neurological symptoms after the accident.
Blood tests are useful in ruling out other possible reasons for your headache, such as infections or electrolyte imbalances. Such issues might exacerbate symptoms following a traumatic car accident.
If you’re experiencing cognitive symptoms along with headaches, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes, neuropsychological testing may be recommended. These tests assess various aspects of brain function and can help identify the extent of any cognitive impairment following a head injury.
If you experience a headache after a car accident, you need to take the following steps to ensure proper care and recovery:
Even if your headache seems mild, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Headaches can be a symptom of a serious condition like a concussion or internal bleeding, and early diagnosis can prevent complications. Visit an emergency room if your headache grows so severe or is accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or nausea.
Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they started, their intensity, and any changes over time. Note any additional symptoms, such as dizziness, visual disturbances, or nausea. This documentation can be invaluable when discussing your condition with healthcare providers and in any potential legal proceedings.
After your initial evaluation, follow all of your doctor’s recommendations. This may include taking prescribed medications, undergoing physical therapy, or attending follow-up appointments. Adhering to your treatment plan is crucial for your recovery and for documenting your injuries for legal purposes.
Also, neglecting to attend doctor’s appointments after a car accident can lead to significant repercussions for both your health and your insurance claims. If you don’t follow medical advice, it may hinder your recovery.
Missing appointments can be seen as a lack of commitment to your recovery, prompting insurers to question the severity and legitimacy of your injuries. This skepticism can result in reduced compensation or even denial of your claim altogether. Therefore, adhering to your doctor’s recommendations is important not only for your physical well-being but also for ensuring that your insurance claims are taken seriously and fully compensated.
Rest is a critical component of recovery, especially if you have a concussion or other brain injury. Avoid activities that could exacerbate your symptoms, such as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or excessive screen time. Stress management is also important, as stress can worsen headache symptoms.
Keep a close eye on your symptoms, especially in the days and weeks following the accident. If your headache worsens, becomes more frequent, or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms like seizures, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
Depending on the severity and persistence of your headaches, your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or a pain management specialist. These experts can provide more targeted treatment options and help manage chronic pain.
If your headaches are related to a car accident, it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal process and file your claim properly to seek legal recovery for your damages. This may include compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others.
A personal injury lawyer can provide crucial assistance if you’re suffering from headaches after a car accident. Here’s how they can help:
A personal injury lawyer will look into the facts of your case, including the circumstances of the accident, your medical records, and the impact of your injuries on your life. They’ll help determine whether you have a viable claim and the types of recoverable damages you may be entitled to.
To win your car accident claim, you must prove that your headaches are directly related to the car accident. This requires thorough documentation and evidence. Your lawyer will help gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other relevant evidence to support your claim.
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with an injury. A personal injury lawyer will communicate with the insurance company to avoid cases where the insurers are taking advantage of you. They will stand up for your rights and interests to be protected and that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Insurance companies often try to protect their resources by proposing low settlements under the guise of empathy toward the victims. Your legal advocate will push for a fair settlement that adequately compensates for your damages. If the settlement offered is not adequate, your lawyer may advise you to take the case to court to seek fair compensation.
Should your case proceed to trial, a personal injury attorney will stand for you in court. They will present evidence and articulate your case to either a judge. Sometimes, cases that go through litigation can obtain the highest possible compensation if the evidence is well-represented.
Handling car accident claims can be overwhelming when you’re dealing with painful and debilitating symptoms like headaches. A personal injury lawyer will provide peace of mind by handling the legal aspects of your case. They will take up all the issues related to the case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Contact an Ohio injury lawyer at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz today at 1.937.222.2222 for your free consultation.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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