After experiencing a car accident, it is not uncommon to suffer both mental and physical effects for a time. In addition to any trauma your body experienced, you may be stressed dealing with all of the paperwork and doctors, or you may be feeling anxiety and trauma as a result of the accident itself. When a headache begins to appear, you may wonder if it has to do with your stress, an injury, or is just a normal annoyance. While any of these could be the case, headaches after a car accident can be a sign of serious injury and should always be treated with caution. Even a mild headache warrants a visit to a car accident doctor in Lithia Springs, just to be sure there is no serious underlying condition. Below is some information on why headaches may be common after a car accident, but they aren’t normal and can be dangerous if left untreated.
Common Reasons for Headaches After a Car Accident
There are a variety of injuries that may cause headaches to occur after a car accident. While the conditions listed below are the most common, there may be others that your doctor can advise you on as well.
Post-Traumatic Headache: The head and neck often undergo trauma during a car accident, which can lead to headaches that often manifest as neck pain radiating to the head and causing head pain as well. These symptoms may begin immediately after experiencing the trauma, but can often be delayed for hours or even days before they appear.
Concussion Headache: A concussion is a mild form of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that is usually caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent jolt like what you may experience on impact. The brain is surrounded in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the skull, which usually prevents it from hitting against the inner walls of the skull. However, a sudden movement like a car accident can allow the brain to strike the skull walls and become bruised. The headaches resulting from this injury are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, or ringing in the ears and can resemble migraines. Concussions may also result in slight memory loss, sleep problems, trouble concentrating, or blurred vision.
Whiplash Headaches: What is a whiplash? The same movement that can cause concussions in the brain can also lead to a common injury known as whiplash. The muscles and ligaments around the neck are often stretched during this motion and can become strained or even torn. This can cause problems with pain and movement in the neck, but can also lead to headaches that begin at the base of the skull. A whiplash headache may be accompanied by visual disturbances, dizziness, or fatigue. Whiplash headaches commonly don’t appear for days or weeks after the accident has occurred.
Other types of headaches may occur as a result of muscle strain or spasm, pinched nerves, or fractures in the skull and neck.
What to Do If You Have a Headache After A Car Accident
Whether you are experiencing mild pain or a variety of symptoms, it is crucial to seek care when you notice a headache. Even if it has been weeks since your accident, a headache can be a sign of more serious injuries that are hard to notice from the outside. A car accident doctor in Lithia Springs will be able to evaluate your symptoms, request any necessary diagnostic imaging, and help understand your injuries and their severity. Many of these conditions can lead to more serious medical issues if left untreated.
In addition to being medically important, it can also be important for your insurance claim or lawsuit to seek care quickly. Since headaches often appear after a period of time, it is already more difficult to tie them to your accident, and you want to make sure you have a paper trail documenting any symptoms. This can help your doctor testify that your injuries were caused by a car accident and prove it with medical records. Being proactive about your care will look good, as well.
Even if you are experiencing only minor or short headaches, contact AICA Lithia Springs for a thorough evaluation to rule out any serious underlying conditions. When you visit a car accident doctor in Lithia Springs, you will get peace of mind, both mentally and physically, by addressing your symptoms and determining the root cause. Call today to schedule your first appointment!