If you are suffering from headaches or migraines after a car accident, you are not alone. Car accidents can continue to affect the body and your daily life months and even years after the accident. If you are suffering from headaches following a car accident, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention and speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. 

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, we fight to get you the entirety of what you deserve under South Carolina law to secure you with the best possible outcome for your case and future. For a free case evaluation with an attorney, please contact our office today by calling (803) 888-2200 or emailing info@ctlawsc.com. We look forward to speaking with you.

Common Types of Headaches Following a Car Accident

Whether you had a direct blow to the head during an accident or not, headaches are a common symptom following wrecks. There are many different types and causes of headaches after an accident, including but not limited to: 

Post-Traumatic Headaches (PTH) 

These headaches occur after a head injury, commonly resulting from concussions or whiplash. 

Post-traumatic headaches may cause persistent pain, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, fatigue, vision issues, confusion, trouble balancing, difficulty concentrating, and more. The severity and duration of these headaches can vary widely and may persist for weeks (acute PTH) or even months (persistent PTH), according to research by Yale Medicine. 

Treatments may include pain medication, behavioral therapies, physical therapy, rest, sleep, and more.

Post-Concussive Headaches

These headaches occur within a week of an accident , commonly a concussion resulting from neck and/or head injuries. These headaches are the most common symptom of a concussion.

Additional symptoms may include tension headaches, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, vision changes, irritability, ringing in the ears, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and more. Most of the time, these headaches stop once the concussion symptoms end.

Treatment varies but can include rest, medications, and more.

Tension-Type Headaches (TTH)

Also known as muscle contraction headaches, these are a common type of headache caused by muscle tension in the neck and scalp. 

Tension headaches may cause pain lasting from 30 minutes to a week.

Typically, these headaches are treated with ibuprofen, heating pads, and other treatments.

Pinched Nerve Headaches

These headaches are caused by pinched nerves in the neck causing headaches by compressing a nerve and generating pain along the path of the nerve. These are headaches caused by an underlying condition, such as occipital neuralgia, referred pain, and other causes.

Symptoms may include pain on the side of the head, pain traveling up the side of the head, stiff neck, discomfort when turning your head/neck, pain around the eye, and more. 

Treatment may include physical therapy, massage therapy, over-the-counter medications, steroid injections, and more.

When To See a Doctor For Headaches Following an Accident

Following an accident, it is always in your best interest to seek professional medical attention, especially since symptoms can take days and even weeks to develop. In addition, if you are having persistent headaches, worsening headaches, or your headaches are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or other symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s important to keep in mind that headaches can be signs of serious underlying conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Whether your headaches are mild or severe, you should visit a doctor as your health is the most important thing following a collision. 

Can Headaches Start Months After an Accident?

Every injury and car accident case is unique. Many headaches start immediately following a crash, while other times they may begin weeks or months later. Headaches are just one example of injury symptoms that can develop over time following an accident. In fact, our team put together a list of 20 delayed symptoms after an accident. 

Delayed symptoms are one of the many reasons that we recommend speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a car accident. We can help ensure that your rights and your ability to seek fair compensation are protected following a wreck. 

Suffering From Headaches After a Car Accident? Speak With a Lawyer For Free Today.

If you are experiencing headaches following a car accident, we’re here to help you. With decades of combined experience, millions recovered for our clients, and hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can trust that we will have your back.

Our award-winning car accident lawyers have the experience and resources needed to fully optimize your case, aggressively negotiate with insurance companies, and seek fair compensation for all physical, financial, and emotional damages caused by the accident.

For a free case evaluation directly with a reputable car accident attorney, contact our team today.

Legally Reviewed By: J. Eric Cavanaugh

I’m Eric Cavanaugh, and I am a founder and personal injury attorney here at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. My practice primarily focuses on trucking and car accidents, representing victims and their loved ones across the state of South Carolina. 

I care deeply about people and making sure every client of mine and of the firm is getting the care and compensation they deserve physically, financially, and emotionally.

Seeing the impact that serious accidents have on people never gets easier, but I feel a great sense of pride in being able to get people the justice they deserve and providing hope in what’s often a very difficult time in their lives. 

I’m committed to ensuring that people know their rights and that those rights are protected at all times throughout their case and beyond; and I’m passionate about fighting to make South Carolina roads safer for residents and visitors.

If you have any questions about what was covered in this article, in general, or are interested in becoming a client at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, give me a call.