Headaches After a Car Accident

Many people might not consider a headache to be a serious matter. After all, most of us probably have a headache every few weeks from stress, sinus pain, and other factors. However, if you are having increased headaches after a car accident, it can definitely be a cause for concern.

Following a crash, you might write off a headache as a “usual” reaction to the stress and trauma of the incident. Many people fail to seek medical treatment for a headache after an accident, and the headaches persist and worsen over the coming hours and days. It is important to never ignore a headache – instead, never hesitate to seek a medical evaluation.

A Headache Can Be a Sign of a Serious Injury

Post-traumatic headaches that do not subside are often the sign of a head or brain injury. Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are known as “silent injuries” since you cannot see them from the exterior of your body. The symptoms of these injuries are also difficult to recognize, as they can be mistaken for disorientation or feeling “out of it” after a serious collision.

Many car accident victims go to the doctor with a headache and learn that, in fact, they have a traumatic brain injury or another type of closed-head injury. These are injuries that require monitoring and treatment to prevent severe and possibly life-threatening complications. This one reason why a headache should never go ignored if it occurs after a crash.

Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If you feel anything out of the ordinary following a car accident, it is always wise to get evaluated by a medical professional. However, if you have a headache and are unsure whether to see a doctor, consider the following:

• Do you feel pressure or tightness in different parts of your head?
• Are you dizzy?
• Do you feel nauseous or unable to eat?
• Is there are dull yet persistent ache?
• Did you lose consciousness – even briefly – at the scene of the accident?
• Are you having memory issues?
• Are you feeling irritable or having mood swings with no explanation?

If you answer “yes” to any of the above questions, your headache could likely be a sign of a more serious brain injury, and you should head to the emergency room for an evaluation and diagnosis. Always remember that it is better to be safe when it comes to a possible traumatic brain injury.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer

If you learn that you have a traumatic brain injury from a car accident or you need medical treatment for persistent post-traumatic headaches, you should always consult with a knowledgeable Tustin car accident lawyer. You may think that “silent” injuries might be difficult to prove, but the right lawyer can assess whether you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering. An attorney can determine who might be held liable for your condition and what type of compensation you deserve for your accident and injury-related losses. Never hesitate to see a doctor and then learn about your legal rights.