After an auto accident, you may develop a headache. While it may not seem like a big deal, several injuries can cause this, with some being severe.
For example, your headache may be caused by brain swelling, impact injuries, a brain bleed, whiplash or an aneurysm. No matter what causes your headache, you should seek medical evaluation immediately. A doctor can determine the cause of your pain and provide the needed treatment.
When is a headache a serious concern?
In some situations, headaches are warnings that you have a more serious injury. Serious head injuries can include other symptoms, besides a headache, including the following:
- Neck stiffness
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Memory loss
- Vomiting
- Personality changes
- Changes in vision
- Numbness in your body or face
- Weakness
You need to get treated if you have a headache and any of the symptoms mentioned above. In most cases, these are signs of a more serious injury that could be life-threatening.
Timeline for head injury development
Immediately after an auto accident, you may feel fine. However, this is because your body’s “fight or flight” response was activated. Hours, days or even weeks later, you could develop a headache or other symptoms of a serious head injury.
Because of how serious these injuries are, it is always in your best interest to have a doctor evaluate you immediately after an accident – even if you feel fine.
Protecting your health and right to compensation
Seeking medical care after an auto accident is important to protect your health and well-being. However, it is also necessary to protect your right to recover compensation. Immediate medical treatment links your injury to the accident and proves its severity.