Headache’s after a car accident

Headaches after a car accident are quite common. It could be caused by whiplash or a closed head injury. We will explore why people get headaches after car accidents and see what can be done about them.

What causes headaches after a car accident

  • A blow to the head in the accident
  • Whiplash
  • Hypertension
  • Concussion

Why does whiplash cause headaches

Whiplash causes headaches because the muscles, tendons and nerves around the neck become inflamed and irritated. The tendons, and nerves connect your neck to your head. This could be why you get headaches after you have suffered whiplash in a car accident. The pain usually starts in your neck, then moves to your head. Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to hours. The headaches are usually more painful than the neck pain suffered from whiplash.

Different types of headaches associated with car accidents

  • Vascular
  • Migraines
  • Analgesic Rebound
  • Sympathetic Nerve Dysfunction

Vascular headaches occur when you have poor or abnormal cerebral circulation. Abnormal or poor cerebral circulation could last for months after a whiplash injury
Migraines are common with whiplash and usually start within hours or days of the injury
Analgesic Rebound is the result of overusing medication or a direct side affect of the medication prescribed for whiplash pain.
Sympathetic Nerve Dysfunction is caused by damage to the cervical nerve truck

Could headaches be a indication that I have a closed type head injury

Closed type head injuries are injuries with the cranium itself. These are injuries that are not apparent on the outside of your head , like a abrasion or a cut on your leg. This would be something you could not see. If you suspect you have something more than just a headache, you need to see your doctor right away. He can order a mri or a cat scan to determine what type of closed head injury you might have and what he is going to do treat it.

A CT scan of your head could show the following conditionsheadaches


  • Conditions in the brain such as swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and signs of injury
  • Information about the presence, location, and size of abscesses, cysts, and tumors
  • Evaluate the pituitary gland, pineal gland, and sinuses
  • Look at malformed or injured blood vessels in the head
  • Find the cause of headaches, weakness, or a change in mental status

If you have been involved in an accident and are suffering headaches, you need to see a doctor right away. It would be peace of mind to know that your headaches are caused by whiplash rather than a closed type head injury.