If you have recently been involved in an auto accident in Lexington, SC and are experiencing headaches, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Even if you didn’t hit your head during the collision, headaches that develop after an accident could be a symptom of a more serious injury such as a concussion or whiplash.
Headaches can vary in severity, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, and can occur immediately after the accident or develop over time. It’s important not to ignore sudden onset headaches, as they could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
At Injury Medicine in Lexington, SC, our experienced healthcare providers specialize in treating headaches and other types of injuries resulting from auto accidents.
We offer a range of treatments tailored to your individual needs, including diagnostic tests, pain management, and rehabilitative therapies.
If you’re experiencing headaches after an auto accident in Lexington, SC, don’t hesitate to seek timely medical attention. Contact us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment and learn more about the treatment options available to you.
Our team is here to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
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
There are several causes of headaches that can result from car accidents, including:
- Trauma resulting from a direct blow to the head: This can occur when your head collides with an object in the car, such as the steering wheel or window. The impact alone of bumping your head into an object can cause constant headaches.
- Muscle injuries: Strains, tears, and spasms in the neck or upper back muscles can cause tension headaches, which can be triggered by the trauma of a car accident
- Fractures of the skull and/or spine: Fractures can cause severe headaches that may require surgical intervention to repair.
- Bulges of the spine or disc herniations: These injuries can put pressure on the nerves in the neck and spine, causing chronic headaches.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe headaches after a car accident. A healthcare provider can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms and help you recover.
Types & Symptoms
Getting medical attention from a specialist is crucial if you’re experiencing headaches after a car accident, whether they are mild or persistent.
The specialist can diagnose the type of headache you have and assess if you have other injuries that need to be addressed.
Post-Traumatic Stress Headaches
Post-traumatic stress headaches are a common type that can be caused by trauma to the neck or head during a car accident, fall, or other traumatic events.
Victims who experience these headaches may feel neck pain that radiates upward.
These can appear hours or even days after the accident and may be further delayed due to the shock and adrenaline that the victim experiences.
They can be particularly challenging to treat and can persist for weeks or even months after the initial injury.
Spasm Headaches/Muscle Strain Headaches
Spasm/muscle strain headaches are a type of headache that can be caused by a traumatic or non-traumatic event. These occur when the muscles of the head, neck, or upper back are injured or strained.
In a car accident, a violent impact to the head, neck, or upper back can injure or tear the soft tissue, leading to spasms or strains in the muscles.
In addition to headaches, muscle strains can cause other symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, or redness in the affected muscle and pain during certain head or neck movements.
Concussion Headaches
Concussion headaches are a type of headache that can occur as a result of injury to the brain. They can be caused by a sudden blow or violent jolt, which results in the rapid shaking of the brain.
Other symptoms that can indicate a concussion include sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, dizziness, confusion, ringing in the ears, and memory loss.
Fracture Headaches
Fracture headaches can occur when one of the seven bones in the neck or skull is broken or fractured. These types of headaches can be intense and persistent, often beginning at the back of the head or neck and radiating upward.
While fracture headaches can signify a localized injury, they can also be a symptom of a more serious brain injury.
In addition to headaches, symptoms of a fracture can include confusion, nausea, slurred speech, stiff neck, and sometimes seizures.
Whiplash Headaches
Whiplash headaches are a type of headache that can occur when the soft tissue, muscles, or ligaments in the neck or shoulders are strained or damaged due to a sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck or head.
The pain associated with 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, and problems with memory and concentration.
Pinched Nerve Headaches
Injuries to the spine, such as herniated discs or compression of the spine, can occur during a car accident and lead to compression of spinal nerves.
This compression can cause irritation of the greater occipital nerve or pinching of the upper cervical nerve roots, resulting in pain, numbness, tenderness, tingling, and a burning sensation at the back of the skull.
What to Do for Headaches Following an Accident or Injury?
It is important not to ignore any headaches that develop after a car accident, regardless of when they start – whether immediately, hours, or days later. Headaches may be a symptom of a more severe injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, that has not been diagnosed.
Seeking immediate medical attention can not only help with your recovery but also aid in getting the compensation you deserve.
If you experience headaches after a car accident, follow these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention from an experienced accident injury doctor in your area.
- Do not wait or try to tough it out.
- Follow the pain management and treatment recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
- Know and assert your injury rights.
Call Injury Medicine to Get Relief From Headaches in Lexington, SC!
It is crucial never to ignore headaches after a car accident, even if you feel like toughing it out. Headaches related to auto accidents can have serious consequences if left untreated, including severe or life-threatening brain damage.
At Injury Medicine in Lexington, SC, our headache specialists are available around the clock for consultations, comprehensive evaluations, and personalized treatment plans for various types of headaches.
We understand the importance of timely medical attention and are committed to providing our patients with the best care possible.
If you are experiencing headaches after a car accident, do not hesitate to contact us at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you.
