After an Accident ยท California

Whiplash Headache After an Accident

A headache that begins at the base of your skull after a crash, often on one side and worse when you turn your head, is a classic sign of a whiplash-related neck injury.

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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

Strained neck muscles and irritated joints in the upper spine can refer pain up into the head. This is called a cervicogenic headache. The same impact can also cause a concussion, which produces a different kind of headache, often with nausea, light sensitivity, or fogginess. The two can happen together, which is why a headache after a crash is worth having examined rather than treated with pills alone.

When this is a medical emergency

Go to an emergency room right away, don't wait for a regular appointment, if you have:

  • A sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had before
  • Repeated vomiting, confusion, or unusual drowsiness
  • Slurred speech, vision loss, or weakness on one side of the body
  • A headache with fever and a stiff neck

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

How long does a whiplash headache last?

Many ease within days to a few weeks, but some persist for months, especially without treatment. A headache that is not improving after a week is a good reason to be examined.

Is a headache after a crash a concussion?

It can be. Headache with nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, memory gaps, or trouble concentrating points toward a concussion. Only an exam can tell the difference, and the two often overlap.

Will painkillers be enough?

They may take the edge off, but they do not treat the underlying neck injury. A doctor can check for a concussion, and a provider can plan physical therapy or other care for the neck.

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