How Long Should a Headache Last After a Car Accident

Headaches are a somewhat common outcome of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The trauma of the accident – both physical and mental – can contribute to head pains afterward. However, if you experience a long-lasting or chronic headache that won’t go away, it could be a sign of a deeper problem.

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Is Your Headache Minor or Chronic?

The duration of a headache after a car accident will depend on the underlying cause. While every case is unique, below is a general outline of how long a headache may last based on the severity of the injury that may be causing it:

• A few hours up to a few days: a minor headache will resolve within a few days at most after the car accident. This type of headache may be caused by the stress of the crash, tension held in the body or a mild case of whiplash.
• Several days to a few weeks: a persistent headache may last one or multiple weeks after the crash. This type of post-traumatic headache may be related to an underlying injury such as whiplash or a minor concussion.
• Multiple months: a chronic headache lasts several weeks to months. This could be a sign of a severe underlying injury or condition such as post-concussion syndrome, which can trigger long-lasting or frequent migraines.

A headache that lasts longer than a few days should be viewed as a sign that something more significant is wrong. While you should see a doctor after any type of car accident, even a minor one, it is essential to get checked if you have a persistent or chronic headache.

What Can Cause a Persistent Headache After a Car Accident?

Headaches are a potential symptom of many common car accident injuries. In some cases, a headache may be your only sign that something is wrong. For this reason, it is essential to pay attention to how you feel in the days and weeks following a car accident, and to see a doctor if something is amiss.

If you have a headache that won’t go away, it could be a symptom of a more serious injury:

• Concussion
• Traumatic brain injury
• Swelling or bleeding of the brain
• Whiplash or other neck injury
• Fractured bone in the neck
• Pinched nerve
• Herniated disk
• Back or spine injury
• Soft-tissue injury
• Muscle strain or sprain

Other symptoms to watch for include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or trouble sleeping, confusion, stiffness of the neck or back, and pain anywhere in the body. These could be signs of a severe injury.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Collins

Get a free consultation Call us (970) 471-7170

Seeking Justice for Your Car Accident Injuries

Headaches can occur after an automobile accident due to the extreme forces exerted on the victims involved. External and internal trauma can trigger mild to severe headaches. If a persistent headache leads to the diagnosis of an underlying injury, you may need to undergo treatments such as prescription medications and therapies.

As a car accident victim in Colorado, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, loss wages, and other damages caused by the crash. Colorado is a fault state, meaning you have the right to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for the crash and related injuries. Contact an attorney near you to take the next step with your car accident claim.