After an Accident ยท California

Headaches After an Accident

Headaches after an accident are common and usually come from tension in the neck and shoulders, whiplash, or, in some cases, a concussion.

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We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.

Why this happens

Muscle tension from whiplash frequently radiates up into the head, causing a tight, band-like headache. A blow to the head, or even a hard jolt without direct impact, can cause a concussion, which often produces headaches along with other symptoms. Because concussion symptoms can be subtle at first, any headache that starts after a hit to the head deserves a proper evaluation, not just rest and painkillers.

When this is a medical emergency

Get emergency care immediately for a headache that comes with:

  • Loss of consciousness, even briefly, at the time of the accident
  • Repeated vomiting, worsening confusion, or slurred speech
  • A headache that gets rapidly and significantly worse
  • One pupil larger than the other, or seizures

Commonly linked to these accident types

This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.

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Care options for this symptom

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Frequently asked questions

I feel fine except for a headache, should I still see a doctor?

Yes. A headache alone, especially after any hit to the head or a jolt from a crash, is worth having evaluated. Concussions don't always come with obvious symptoms right away, and catching one early matters for recovery.

How long do headaches from whiplash usually last?

Tension-type headaches from whiplash often improve over one to a few weeks with treatment for the underlying neck strain. Headaches that persist longer, or that are getting worse, should be re-evaluated.

Can stress from the accident itself cause headaches?

Yes, the physical and emotional stress of being in an accident can trigger tension headaches on its own, separate from any direct injury. That doesn't make the headache any less worth treating.

Other symptoms

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