Car accidents are alarmingly common, and something that most people will experience at one point or another. It is essential for everyone to understand the risks surrounding a car accident and to know the proper steps to take care of yourself following a collision. The most important thing to understand is that a car accident often includes full-body trauma.
Injuries are not just limited to lacerations, abrasions, or something visual. Internal injuries and head injuries are common in car accidents. Understanding the different types of head pain and their causes can help you avoid long-term or lasting collision effects.
Below is a list of reasons why your head may hurt after an accident and the steps you should take to ensure your safety:
- Post-concussive headaches. Persistent migraine headaches can signal that you have suffered a concussion in an accident. A concussion occurs when the soft tissue of your brain slams against the inside of your skull. The headaches will come and go and may come with other symptoms, such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears. If you do find yourself with an intense and constant migraine following a collision, you should immediately seek medical attention to monitor your injury and ensure that there has not been permanent damage to your brain.
- Muscle-contraction. When the muscles in your neck, head, or upper back are injured, it can cause spasm headaches. This type of pain does not necessarily signal a head injury, but can mean that you are injured in other ways. Physical therapy can help to reduce muscle spasm headaches by building back your strength and repairing soft tissue damage.
- Whiplash headaches. Whiplash occurs when a sudden force is applied to the head and neck and it is prevalent in vehicle collisions. A whiplash headache often presents as focused pain near the base of the skull. This type of headache usually does not appear for days or weeks following an accident. This type of pain should be treated with conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, home exercises or chiropractic care.
If you are suffering from a head injury following an accident, make sure to seek medical attention and report any symptoms to your personal injury attorney. If you are looking for help and representation, contact Karns & Karns in Nevada today.