Tracking headache patterns and danger signs after a car crash
A headache neurologist and a concussion specialist explain what to watch for
A headache after a crash can disrupt your sleep, reading, work and confidence. A headache specialist looks at more than how much it hurts. Timing, changes over time, other symptoms and medicine use all count. The crash may have caused a head injury, a neck strain or more than one problem at once. A clear account helps the doctor pick a safe next step. [1, 2, 3]
Know the danger signs
The CDC lists a headache that worsens and won’t go away after a head injury as a danger sign. Other signs that need emergency care include repeated vomiting, seizures, growing confusion and unusual behavior. Weakness, numbness, slurred speech and trouble waking up are emergencies too. Call emergency services if any of these appear. Don’t wait for a scheduled concussion appointment. [1]
Keep a short headache log
For several days, jot down when each headache starts and how long it lasts. Note where it hurts and what it keeps you from doing. Also record nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, sleep changes, neck pain and any medicine you took. Write down whether the medicine helped and whether the headache came back. A log like this beats trying to recall an average pain score at a later visit. [2, 3]
Tell your doctor if you take pain medicine often. Using some headache medicines again and again can itself lead to more headaches. The safe limit depends on the medicine and your health history. Ask before you add an over the counter product. Asking matters most if you have other injuries, take blood thinners or were given a specific discharge plan. [4]
Push for a plan beyond waiting it out
Ask which features fit a headache from concussion and which point to a different problem. Describe any neck symptoms. Ask what level of activity is right for you and how to build it up. If symptoms linger or get worse instead of better, ask to be checked again. [2, 3]
The CDC advises talking with a doctor when concussion symptoms last more than two to three weeks. The same goes for symptoms that get worse when you return to normal activity. Some people need focused headache care or rehab. [2, 3]
- What would turn this headache into an emergency?
- How often can I take my current pain medicine?
- When should I come back if I’m not getting better?
Guard your daily routine
Schedule harder tasks for the time of day when symptoms are lighter. Take the breaks your doctor suggests. Ask family or work contacts for one concrete change, like a shorter appointment or less screen time. Don’t use a headache diary to pressure yourself into proving you’re sick. Its job is to show patterns and guide treatment. [2, 3]
Start today's headache record
Sources and further reading
- 1CDC symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury and concussion
- 2CDC responding to a concussion
- 3AMF concussion and post traumatic headache
- 4AMF medication overuse headache
This is general education from experts in headache neurology and concussion care. Get urgent care for any danger sign. A doctor needs to find the cause of your headache and decide how to treat it.
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