Why Car Accident Victims Shouldn’t Ignore Headaches

Head injuries are one of the most commonly sustained injuries among car accident victims, many of whom strike their heads against the window, steering wheel, or the back of the seat. This kind of trauma can cause serious injuries, many of which manifest as headaches. Whether a headache occurs immediately upon sustaining an injury or within a few days, it is important for accident victims to seek medical attention immediately, as this could be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Types of Headaches 

Headaches are a common symptom among car accident victims and could be indicative of a wide range of injuries. Typical post-accident headaches include:

• Migraine headaches, which occur when one part of the brain becomes hypersensitive, resulting in a dull throbbing sensation, sensitively to light and noise, and even nausea and vomiting;
• Concussion headaches, which usually begin within seven days of trauma and are often characterized by feelings of tightness or pressure in the head;
• Fracture headaches, which also often start at the back of the neck or the back of the head and are characterized by feelings of throbbing at the front or back of the head; and
• Cervicogenic headaches, which, like tension headaches, occur when the muscles and soft tissues in the neck and back of the head contract, causing pain on both sides of the head and the back of the neck.

The type of headache that a person experiences could help doctors diagnose, or at least narrow down, the type of head trauma-related injury that a person suffers. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to seek medical attention after suffering head trauma in an accident.

What is the Significance of an Accident-Related Headache? 

Headaches can be extremely disabling, making it difficult to go about one’s day-to-day life for weeks or even months after an accident. In severe cases, a person may even suffer from chronic pain, which in turn can make it nearly impossible to remain employed. Headaches, besides being painful, could also be indicative of a serious head injury, including a potential fracture, contusions, or a brain bleed, some of which can have permanently disabling consequences if not treated right away. Even if over-the-counter medications help alleviate pain, headaches shouldn’t be ignored. The sooner a person seeks treatment, the more likely it is that he or she will be properly diagnosed in time to begin timely treatment. Obtaining a diagnosis as soon as possible after an accident will also help strengthen any eventual injury claims filed against the person who caused the crash.

Our Experienced Tampa Brain Injury Lawyers are Here to Help 

At Anderson & Anderson, we understand the kinds of physical, emotional, and financial tolls that serious head injuries can take on accident victims and their families. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to helping injured parties obtain compensation from the negligent parties who were responsible for those injuries. For an evaluation of your own case, please call us at 813-251-0072 and set up a free consultation with one of our experienced Tampa brain injury lawyers today.

Sources: 

uwmsktc.washington.edu/sites/uwmsktc/files/files/TBI-headaches.pdf

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4062350/