Every year, about 20-50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries from traffic accidents. And in most cases, people assume that a headache after a car crash is normal. Yet, a lingering headache after a car crash usually indicates something worse.
There are several types of headaches a person can have after a car crash. Today’s post will discuss the types of headaches and what you should do if you’re experiencing one after a recent accident.
Post-Traumatic Headache
A post-traumatic headache describes a feeling of pain in the head after an accident, trauma, or assault. Although this type of headache after a car crash is not common, it can affect anyone who experiences a traumatic event.
Symptoms that come along with a post-traumatic headache are nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. They may be caused by a combination of several factors, including pain from the injury, stress from the incident, and preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure or anxiety.
Not all post-traumatic headaches are the same. Some people experience seizures, muscle spasms, or even loss of consciousness.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild brain injury, often resulting from a bump to the head, where you experience headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sounds, confusion, and fatigue. There is a chance that a series of concussions may result in long-term damage to your brain, leading to conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and other psychological problems.
A concussion, also known as a brain injury, is caused by a sudden and forceful blow to the head. Concussion symptoms can be mild to severe. The most common symptom is a headache.
Other symptoms include dizziness and nausea or vomiting. Sometimes, people may have blurred vision or other visual problems. A person with a concussion can struggle with concentrating and making decisions.
Whiplash
A whiplash injury is a common car accident injury, causing pain and stiffness to the neck and shoulders. The main cause of whiplash injury is an impact to the neck or head that causes a twist in the neck, sometimes referred to as a “slingshot” effect.
Whiplash can also result from a collision with another vehicle, object, or vehicle’s side. Symptoms of whiplash include pain that shoots down one side of the neck, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and numbness in the arms or hands.
Muscle Strain Headaches
Muscle strains are common injuries following a car crash, often resulting from awkward or sudden movements while in the vehicle. They are characterized by mild muscle pain and tenderness and cause weakness. A muscle strain is a minor injury and should heal on its own after a few days.
If you experience muscle strain after a car accident and notice any signs of a headache, take it easy until the pain subsides. Consult your healthcare provider if you are still experiencing pain after several days.
Fracture Strain Headaches
A fracture strain headache occurs when a person receives head damage during an accident and fractures their skull. The symptoms can be quite painful.
Some people will feel pain behind their eyes or temples, while others may feel pain on top of their heads. The pain may intensify when they move, so they should stay still as much as possible.
Pinched Nerve Headache
A pinched nerve is a common type of headache that occurs after minor trauma. You can feel the pain in the back of the head, and it usually radiates down your neck.
This type of injury occurs when something compresses the nerve, like a seat belt or a bump in the road. It can also be caused by disc compression if you have back issues.
What to Do if You Have a Headache After a Car Accident
If you’ve been suffering a bad headache after a car accident, the first thing to do is visit a doctor. This is crucial for many reasons.
For one, headaches are a common symptom of other conditions, such as severe brain injury. In addition, headaches can cause severe problems if they persist or keep coming back.
It’s not just a case of your body recovering from the effects of the accident — but also the pain of the original injury. If your headache doesn’t clear up soon, it could be a sign that something else is going wrong inside your head.
Call an Auto Accident Lawyer
You should call an auto accident lawyer immediately if you have been seriously injured in a car accident. These professionals can help you evaluate your case, fight for compensation, and recover damages if another driver has wronged you.
A car accident attorney can also represent you in court if they sue you for damages. They are trained to fight for your rights and make sure that your rights are protected.
They will negotiate with the other party’s insurance company to get the best possible settlement for your case. An auto accident attorney will also help you understand the legal process to prepare yourself for the trial.
Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been dealing with a constant headache after a car accident, don’t let them hold you back from seeking medical help. Headaches are common and temporary, and you can get them to go away with simple home remedies. However, if you don’t get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as you can, it could get worse.
You should also call an auto accident lawyer as early as you can. Here are RHINO Lawyers, we offer a wide variety of services to help you with your recent car crash. Contact our team today for more information.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
