Headaches after a car accident
A headache after a crash can follow a blow or a sudden jolt, even without a direct hit to the head. Seek medical assessment. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for a worsening headache that will not go away, repeated vomiting, seizures, unusual confusion, new weakness or difficulty waking. See the CDC’s concussion danger signs.
Post-Car Accident Headaches
Pay attention to the location, intensity and duration of the pain, and whether it changes with movement, light or sound.
- Pressure or tightness across the forehead
- Dull, aching sensations in the head
- Pressure on the sides or back of the head
- Tenderness in the scalp, neck, or shoulders
Note when the headache started, any other symptoms and whether it is getting worse. Some concussion symptoms appear hours or days after an injury.
Types of Headaches
Headaches may feel different from person to person. Symptoms can overlap, so the pattern alone cannot establish the cause.
Cervicogenic headache is a term for headache associated with a problem in the neck.
More Common Headaches
Migraine-like headaches can cause throbbing pain and sensitivity to light or sound. Tell the clinician whether the headache feels different from any you had before the crash.
Post-traumatic headaches follow a head or neck injury. Their severity and duration vary.
Some headaches feel like a steady ache or pressure, and neck tension may contribute. Tell the clinician about any new headache after an injury.
When Is a Headache More Than Just a Headache?
New or worsening symptoms should be evaluated. Seek emergency help for increasing confusion, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, new weakness, drowsiness with trouble waking, or a worsening headache that does not go away.
Whiplash
A whiplash injury can happen when the neck and head are jerked back and forth suddenly. It most commonly happens due to car accidents, particularly after being rear-ended.
Whiplash symptoms can include headache, neck soreness, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Read about whiplash after a crash.
Concussion
A car accident can cause a concussion if you hit your head on the steering wheel, window, or other objects in the car. They can also occur even if your head didn’t hit anything — the force of the crash is sometimes enough to shake the brain about rapidly.
Concussions may also be referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). Top symptoms include blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, balance problems, sleep problems, irritability, and memory and concentration difficulties.
You can have a concussion without losing consciousness or having a visible wound.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Headache After a Car Accident
Don’t try to tough it out and wait for your symptoms to get better. Your headache, especially if it’s severe, persistent, or progressive, may indicate something is wrong.
Tell your clinician when the headache began and how it affects sleep, work or everyday activities. Keep a copy of any follow-up instructions, including which changes should prompt an emergency visit.
