After an auto accident, your injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones, which can also vary from short-term pain to long-term pain or permanent disability, paralysis, and even death. Another type of injury that you may experience after an accident that is not obvious to others is constant headaches.

If you were recently injured in a crash and are now suffering from constant headaches that make it difficult to do anything except lay down in a completely darkened, silent room, here are a few tips to help you manage your condition.

See a Doctor

Severe headaches can be symptomatic of a variety of health problems that manifest in your skull or brain, including:

  • Blood vessel inflammation, including a stroke
  • Meningitis and other infections
  • High or low intracranial pressure
  • Brain tumor
  • Brain damage, especially after an accident

 The Mayo Clinic suggests seeing a doctor if:

  • You have two or more headaches per week;
  • You need to take a pain reliever to manage your headache symptoms most days;
  • You suffer more frequent or intense headaches with no known cause; or
  • You are unable to work or perform daily tasks due to their severity.

Avoid Anything That Triggers Your Headaches

Although some people that suffer from headaches—particularly those who only begin to experience them after accidents and head injuries—have no known triggers or warning signs, it is possible to reduce a headache’s occurrence or severity by avoiding triggers including:

  • Bright lights
  • Intense physical activity or exercise
  • Electronic screens
  • Reading for long periods
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Certain foods
  • Stress

Take Medication Only When You Need It

When you suffer from  constant headaches, it is easy to become dependent on medication, especially if it effectively reduces your pain or discomfort. However, taking medication too frequently can worsen your headaches over time or cause new, even more painful “rebound” headaches when it wears off.

Sleep

Sleep is restorative and protective for the body, especially the brain. When headaches are caused by traumatic brain injuries as a result of an accident, sleep can assist in the repair process, resulting in a faster and more complete recovery. To improve sleep, go to bed earlier, reduce caffeine intake, avoid screens at least two hours before bedtime, and keep your bedroom cool and completely dark.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Nutrition is always important, especially after serious injuries. Your body needs fuel to recover, and if that fuel comes from healthy food sources, your recovery may be faster and your headaches less severe. To help elevate your headaches, avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible, limit salt and sodium intake, and eat fresh foods whenever possible.

Go to the Emergency Room if You Experience Sudden Severe Symptoms

Managing headaches can be a challenge, especially if they are caused by a serious head, neck, or brain injury after an accident. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience headaches that:

  • Are sudden and severe
  • Are accompanied by a fever, stiff/painful neck, confusion, seizure, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
  • Are worsening despite measures to reduce their severity and duration

Our Lawyers Want to Get You Compensation for Your Constant Headaches

At Wagner Reese, our lawyers understand debilitating headaches after an accident can make your daily task virtually impossible.  Unfortunately, since headaches are considered “invisible” injuries, the insurance companies do not always understand how badly you have been hurt from an accident. If you are experiencing constant headaches after a car accident, you should consider hiring a lawyer. A lawyer will ensure the insurance company understands how the car accident has affected your life.  

Wagner Reese attorneys are experienced with car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation.