Those involved in an auto accident commonly sustain neck and back injuries, even following a low speed accident. Headaches after an auto accident are another common injury. Unfortunately, people often underestimate their headaches. While headaches are most likely due to the stress from the accident, they can also be a symptom of a more serious injury.

WHAT CAUSES HEADACHES AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?

There are several causes for headaches after an auto accident. Knowing the root cause of your headaches will allow you to seek proper medical treatment.

Common causes for headaches after an auto accident are:

Whiplash
Blow to the head
Hypertension
Concussion

Whiplash causes headaches because the muscles, tendons, and nerves around the neck become irritated and inflamed. The pain usually begins in the neck, but can migrate up to your head. Headaches after an auto accident are more painful when whiplash injuries are also involved.

Different types of headaches after an auto accident are:

Migraines are a common result of whiplash. Migraines following an auto accident often occur in people that have no previous history of migraines. They can begin within hours or days of the injury and often do not improve with treatment. As a result, even after finding a “successful treatment,” a large percent of injured people will suffer recurring migraines.

Vascular headaches occur because of abnormal cerebral circulation. Because many injured people have slowed cerebral circulation for months or even years after a whiplash injury, they can suffer prolonged post traumatic symptoms.

Sympathetic Nerve Dysfunction is another cause of headaches. Damage to the cervical sympathetic nerve trunks leaves the injured person with severe headache pain.

Analgesic Rebound Headaches result from the medication symptoms that patients take for their whiplash pain. Overusing medication or the side effect of the medication will often cause headaches. These types of headaches commonly occur in women, aged 31 to 40 years old.

HOW HEADACHES AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT ARE TREATED

It’s extremely important to notify a medical professional or your lawyer if you are having headaches. Headaches after car accident can be more serious than what you assume.

Headaches can be a symptom of closed type of head injuries within the skull. You can help your doctor provide proper treatment by keeping a written headache diary. This is especially true if your headaches persist for a significant amount of time after the accident. Your diary should include the date and time your headaches start, how long they last, how severe they are, and what makes them better or worse. Your doctor may order a CT Scan or MRI can detect the source of your headaches if they are not alleviated by traditional medicine.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR INJURIES

Knowing what to do and how to protect your potential personal injury claim is important. You should discuss your case with our experienced attorneys if you plan to pursue damages. If you need legal assistance, or have a question about an auto accident, please contact us or call Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, at (573)686-2459.