Headaches After A Car Accident

Woman-with-headache-scaledVictims of even minor car accidents often complain about headaches. Headaches suffered after a collision are commonly referred to as post-traumatic headaches because they result from the trauma. Accident victims may suffer head pain immediately, but it is not uncommon for headaches to start several hours or days after a collision. These headaches are often excruciating and debilitating. In addition to the severe pain, headaches can also be a symptom of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It is essential to remember that the severity is not always dependent on the seriousness of the collision. Ravaging and crippling headaches can even arise from low-impact accidents.

Common Causes Of Headaches

Victims of car accidents regularly endure chronic headaches due to the trauma suffered to their head or neck. This can be a violent jolt, direct blow to the head, intense shaking of the skull, or even a forceful strike to the body that causes the victim’s brain to slam against the interior walls of the skull. After a crash, the most prevalent triggers of headaches include:

  1. Damage to the muscles, such as strains, tears, and spasms, in the upper back and neck;
  2. Fractures to the lumbar or thoracic spine;
  3. Pinched nerves in the spine or at the cranial base;
  4. Skull fractures;
  5. Disc bulges or herniations; and
  6. Head injuries from the victim hitting their head on the dashboard, steering wheel, or any other objects.

Rear-end crashes are notorious for causing post-traumatic headaches because of the way they can cause a victim’s head to thrash forward and backward viciously.  

What Are Typical Signs And Symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of headaches can be mild and might not even be immediately apparent. Some symptoms to look out for after your car accident include:

  1. Loss of appetite; 
  2. Tenderness on the scalp;
  3. Soreness of the neck and shoulder muscles;
  4. A dull ache that worsens over time;
  5. Lightheadedness;
  6. Difficulty concentrating;
  7. Trouble remembering;
  8. Irritability;
  9. Tiring quickly; and 
  10. Tightness across the forehead or back of the head.

Please Do Not Ignore Your Headaches

If you were involved in a car crash and have been experiencing headaches, it is vital to seek medical care. Although you may be hoping for your constant headache to disappear, it is essential not to try and tough it out. As mentioned above, headaches are often symptoms of head injuries that must be diagnosed. Obtaining treatment will help you recover soon. Your doctor can rule out other severe injuries and prevent life-altering disabilities. Additionally, having a record of your injuries will be significantly valuable when your personal injury lawyer demands reasonable compensation for your damages. The sooner you obtain treatment, the easier it will be to prove that your injuries were caused by the car accident. 

Talk To A Highly Experienced Buffalo, New York Car Accident Attorney Today!

Jed Dietrich, Esq., acclaimed as a Distinguished Justice Advocate, and his elite team of car accident injury attorneys would like to help you. You deserve to have the finest personal injury lawyer in Western New York fighting in your corner. We want to ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment and the best possible result. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has proudly been recognized by Expertise LLC as Best Car Accident Lawyers in Buffalo. Please get in touch with our veteran team now at 716-839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form

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