Why Shouldn’t You Ignore a Headache After a Car Accident?

It is not unusual for car accident survivors to experience headaches. Although the symptoms might not seem concerning, they could indicate underlying injuries that might worsen over time.

These are some of the car accident-related injuries that may cause post-traumatic headaches:

• Disc injuries: Herniated and slipped discs can manifest as headaches, with or without severe back pain.
• Muscle sprains and pinched nerves: These can develop when muscles and tendons around the head, neck, and shoulders are forcefully pulled during sudden impact. If you feel pain, tingling, or burning from the base of your skull to the back of your head, you could have a pinched nerve.
• Post-concussion syndrome: A concussion can cause a headache that does not show symptoms until weeks after a crash. The pain can be excruciating and require treatment.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries include mild to severe concussions, hematomas, hemorrhages, and skull fractures.
• Whiplash: Though this injury can lead to neck and upper back pain, headaches are common.

Should I Wait to Be Evaluated?

We do not recommend putting off a medical evaluation after a car accident, even when a headache responds to over-the-counter pain medication. Seek medical care right after the accident for a timely diagnosis. Medical staff can use imaging tests to detect problems and provide medications and special equipment to prevent further damage.

Once you have been treated, you may be told to make an appointment with a neurologist. They can examine you further and offer a targeted treatment plan that leads to a faster recovery. Your neurologist might prescribe pain medications, exercise, therapy, and medical procedures. Follow their orders closely and keep accurate records of your appointments, medical statements, and invoices.

What Other Symptoms Should I Watch Out For?

Car accident injury headaches can increase in pain and intensity over time, so do not hesitate to call your physician when that happens. Besides the pain, these headaches can be accompanied by other symptoms:

• Limited range of motion when performing tasks
• Nausea and vomiting
• One pupil appears larger than the other
• Personality changes and unusual behavior
• Extreme fatigue
• Struggling to speak and slurring words

Compensation for a Car Accident Injury

If another driver caused your car accident, their insurance company would cover your damages. Every claim is different and depends on the specific circumstances.

The insurer’s offer might not cover the costs if your damages are substantial. They might offer a settlement, but accepting it without advice from a car accident attorney could be the wrong move.

Your total damages from the accident might not be evident initially. That means ongoing economic costs and possibly non-economic ones like pain and suffering. It is important to contact a car accident lawyer.

Contact an East St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer at The Cates Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Headaches can be symptomatic of a serious medical condition that should be addressed quickly following an accident. Contact a knowledgeable East St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Cates Law Firm for legal help. Complete our online form or call 618-277-3644 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.