Car accidents can have a lasting impact on both your physical and mental well-being. One of the most common consequences of car accidents is headaches. Understanding the connection between headaches and your car accident can help you determine if there is a connection between your symptoms and your car accident.
There are several things that you should know in advance.
Understanding the impact of headaches
Many people think of headaches as a minor nuisance or a temporary discomfort. The truth is that a headache after a car accident could be more significant. The force of a collision can jolt the body, causing whiplash and other injuries that might not manifest immediately. The head, neck and spine are particularly vulnerable. The resulting strain can trigger persistent headaches.
Exploring the types of headaches caused by car accidents
Car accidents can cause a variety of headaches. Tension headaches, for example, often result from increased muscle tension in the neck and shoulders due to the strain of the accident. Post-traumatic headaches can impact your daily life and persist for an extended period of time as a result of the trauma of your accident.
Some headaches result from a concussion. If you experience any kind of head injury or impact injury in the accident, get a concussion evaluation just in case. Unlike routine headaches, you might find that post-accident headaches lead to persistent pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light and changes in your cognitive function.
An average of 20% of patients reported experiencing a post-traumatic headache within a year of their TBI. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a post-accident headache helps you know when to seek care and document your claim.
