In Easley, SC, it is common for individuals to experience headaches following an auto accident. These headaches can range from mild to severe and could be a symptom of a more severe injury, such as a traumatic brain injury. If you are experiencing whiplash headaches or concussion symptoms, seeking prompt concussion and whiplash treatment is crucial to ensure a quick recovery.
Headaches following an auto accident can be debilitating and should not be ignored. Even if you did not hit your head during the collision, you may still experience headaches that become increasingly painful and persistent in the hours, days, or weeks following the accident.
Don’t let headache pain go untreated after an auto accident. Early medical attention and documentation are essential. Seek treatment from the experienced specialists at Injury Medicine in Easley, SC who specialize in treating individuals injured in auto accidents.
Contact us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment and learn more about the necessary treatment for headaches and how we can assist you in your recovery.
What Are Some Common Reasons, Types, & Symptoms for Headaches After Accident-Related Injuries?
Below is an overview of the reasons for headaches after a car accident and the main types of accident-related headaches.
Reasons
Experiencing headaches following a car accident can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to:
- Direct head trauma resulting from hitting a window, steering wheel, or other objects within the car during the accident.
- Muscle injuries, such as strains, tears, and spasms, in the neck or upper back.
- Fractures in the skull or spine.
- Bulges or herniations of spinal discs.
Types & Symptoms
If you’re suffering from headaches, mild or persistent, consult with an Injury Medicine specialist in Easley, SC. Our medical experts can provide a thorough diagnosis of the type of headache you’re experiencing and assess its potential impact on any other injuries you may have sustained.
Post-Traumatic Stress Headaches
These headaches occur due to trauma to the neck or head during a crash, fall, or other traumatic events. Victims may experience neck pain that radiates upwards, resulting in headaches. The headache may occur a few hours or days after the accident due to the shock and adrenaline.
Spasm Headaches/Muscle Strain Headaches
Spasm/muscle strain headaches can occur due to a traumatic or non-traumatic event. These headaches happen when the head, neck, or upper back muscles are injured or strained. During a collision, a violent impact to the head, neck, or upper back can cause injury or tearing of the soft tissue, leading to muscle spasms or strains. Apart from headaches, muscle strain can cause tenderness, swelling, or redness in the affected muscle and pain during certain head or neck movements.
Concussion-Induced Headaches:
Headaches caused by trauma to the brain can result from a sudden blow or violent jolt that leads to rapid shaking of the brain. In addition to headaches, other signs of a concussion may include light and sound sensitivity, nausea, dizziness, confusion, ringing in the ears, and memory loss.
Fracture-Related Headaches:
Fractures of any of the seven bones in the neck or skull can lead to severe and persistent headaches that start from the back of the head or neck and radiate upwards. While such headaches can indicate a localized injury, they can also be a symptom of brain injury. Some symptoms of fracture headaches include confusion, nausea, slurred speech, stiff neck, and sometimes seizures.
Whiplash-Induced Headaches:
Whiplash headaches occur when soft tissues, muscles, or ligaments in the neck or shoulders are strained or damaged by a sudden back and forth motion of the neck or head. Pain caused by whiplash headaches typically manifests at the base of the skull and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as visual disturbances, stiffness, pain, fatigue, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
Pinched Nerve Headaches:
Injuries to the spine, such as herniated discs or compression, can lead to the compression of spinal nerves at their roots. This, in turn, can cause irritation of the greater occipital nerve or pinching of the upper cervical nerve roots, resulting in pain, numbness, tenderness, tingling, and burning sensations at the back of the skull.
What to Do for Headaches Following an Accident or Injury?
It is essential to pay attention to any headaches you may experience following a car accident, regardless of when they start. Delayed onset headaches can indicate a more severe injury, such as traumatic brain injury, that has not yet been diagnosed. Seeking prompt medical attention can also aid in receiving proper compensation.
If you have headaches after a car accident, follow these steps:
- Get examined by a skilled accident injury doctor in your area as soon as possible.
- Do not wait or try to manage the pain on your own.
- Follow any pain management and treatment recommendations provided.
- Be aware of your injury rights and assert them accordingly.
Call Injury Medicine to Get Relief From Headaches in Easley, SC!
It is crucial not to disregard headaches after an auto accident. While you may feel inclined to ignore them, doing so can have dire consequences, such as severe brain damage. Injury Medicine‘s headache specialists in Easley, SC, are always available for consultations, comprehensive evaluations, and personalized treatment plans for various types of headaches. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 864-866-PAIN to start getting the relief you need.
