People who have suffered in a car accident can experience a variety of headaches. Headaches can be caused by trauma to the head, neck or back. They can also be caused by swelling or inflammation of the brain. Headaches are not always associated with a car accident and may appear after other events such as an injury, illness or surgery.
There are different types of headaches after a car accident. The headache some people might experience after a car accident is called a post-traumatic headache. Other types of headaches include tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches.
Consult a doctor immediately if you’re suffering headaches after a vehicle collision. It is also important to speak with a personal injury lawyer. They can file a claim for the compensation you deserve.
How is a claim filed?
To file a claim for headaches after a car accident, you must hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you elect to hire an attorney, they will first meet with you and go over your case. A personal injury lawyer will gather evidence and submit a claim to the appropriate court. A personal injury attorney will not file a claim unless they are confident their client is owed compensation.
Here are the most common headaches after a car accident:
Whiplash Headaches
Whiplash headaches are a common symptom of whiplash, a type of neck injury after a car accident. These headaches are caused by the sudden movement of the head and neck, leading to stretching and tearing of the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash headaches include pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder pain, nausea, and vomiting.
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Car Accident: Treat The Pain
The best way to treat whiplash headaches is to rest your neck and take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the pain is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days, you may need to see a physician. Your doctor may prescribe medication such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve the pain.
Post-Traumatic Headaches
After car accidents, many people experience post-traumatic headaches. They are persistent headaches after a traumatic event or a head injury. A post-traumatic headache can cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty concentrating. Sometimes it affects daily activities and requires medical attention for relief. These headaches can be severe and may last for weeks or even months. Some common symptoms of post-traumatic headaches include:
• Severe pain, usually on one side of the head
• Intense pressure or throbbing sensation
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help. Medication and other therapies can help treat post-traumatic headaches. Most people eventually recover completely.
Concussion Headaches
If you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident, you may have a concussion. While many people think of concussions as brain injuries, they can also affect the muscles and ligaments in the neck. It can lead to tension headaches or migraines. Symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, nausea, and feeling “off.”
Car Accident: Treatments Vary
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for concussion headaches. Your doctor will likely start with conservative treatments such as pain medication and ice packs. If these treatments don’t help, they may recommend physical therapy or surgery.
Muscle Strain/Spasm Headaches
Muscle strain spasm headaches are caused when the muscles in the neck tense up and go into spasm. It can be caused by a sudden impact, such as a car accident, or by repetitive motions, such as those often used for heavy lifting jobs. The pain from muscle strain spasms can be severe and lead to other problems, such as neck pain, dizziness, and nausea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. You may also want to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
In some cases, the cause of the muscle strain spasm headache may be difficult to determine. However, if you have been in a car accident and are experiencing these types of headaches, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious injuries.
How to deal with headaches after a car accident?
If you are experiencing headaches after a car accident, you can do a few things to help relieve the pain. First, you can try to identify the cause of your headaches. It is important to note that not everyone will have a headache after a car accident. Some people experience more severe symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.
Make sure to stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet. It will help your body heal properly. Try using heating pads on your neck or taking over-prescription pain medication to ease the pain. Apply ice or a cold pack to the part of your head that is hurting.
A headache is defined as pain experienced in the head, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting. The severity of a headache varies from person to person and can be mild to severe. Headaches can come on suddenly or gradually build up over time. They can signify a serious underlying condition, so it is important to notice if you have headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter medications or at-home remedies. If you develop a headache after having surgery or an accident, contact your doctor immediately.
In most cases, car accidents are caused by the negligence or carelessness of another driver. If you have been in a car accident and have sustained any injuries, contact your attorney for help filing a compensation claim.
Finally, if the headaches persist or become more severe, see a doctor for further evaluation.
Article Last Updated: July 14, 2023.