Headaches after a car accident
Concussion and neurological danger signs require emergency care
Seek emergency help right away for any of these signs:
- Worsening confusion or unusual behavior.
- Loss of consciousness or a seizure.
- Repeated vomiting or slurred speech.
- New weakness or numbness, or unequal pupils.
- Trouble staying awake or major balance problems.
- A rapidly worsening headache.
The CDC lists concussion signs and danger signs(opens in a new tab). The MedlinePlus headache guide(opens in a new tab) also flags sudden, explosive, or "worst ever" headaches. Neurological headaches also need immediate medical care.
If head injury is possible, ask a medical provider to check you for a concussion. A chiropractic office does not provide concussion or neurological care.
Describe the timing, location, and related symptoms
Write down:
- When the first headache began.
- Where it starts and whether it travels.
- Whether it is pressure, throbbing, sharp, or unfamiliar.
- Whether light, sound, neck movement, exertion, screens, or position changes it.
- Whether nausea, dizziness, confusion, vision change, or balance trouble occurs.
- Whether it is improving, stable, or worsening.
- What medical evaluation has already occurred.
Avoid forcing the symptom into a label. "Different from my usual migraine" is important information.
When neck-related evaluation may be considered
Some headaches come with neck stiffness or begin near the base of the skull. Even so, the crash history and a nerve check come first — danger signs have to be ruled out before anything else makes sense. If the problem then looks like a muscle or joint issue, an exam may look at the neck and nearby function.
Read whiplash after a crash and neck pain after a crash. How accident care works here covers the visit itself, and the full symptom index is there if something else changed too. If no collision occurred, use the everyday headache guide. If the head was struck, read concussion warning signs first.
Pain relief does not rule out a medical concern
A symptom that eases for a while can still need a check. Follow emergency or medical instructions. If a provider checked you for a concussion and said to wait, do not go back to driving, work, or sports yet.
Frequently asked questions
Choose the care setting that matches the symptoms
Danger signs come first — call 911.
Once a medical provider has looked at the head-injury question, a muscle-and-joint headache is a fair thing to ask about. Call (740) 876-8394 and describe where it starts and what makes it worse; you don't need to have decided what kind of headache it is. Prefer to be called back? Request a callback for scheduling basics.
Related guides
Concussion warning signs
Review CDC concussion danger signs and learn why suspected concussion belongs with medical care, not chiropractic treatment.
Read the guideWhiplash
Learn which symptoms may follow a rapid neck movement, which warning signs need medical care, and what an evaluation can clarify.
Read the guideNeck pain
See which details help describe new neck pain or stiffness after a crash and which symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Read the guideHeadaches and neck tension
Learn how headache patterns, neck movement, and warning signs guide next steps. Learn when a headache needs urgent care.
Read the guide
Sources and further reading
- CDC concussion signs and symptoms(opens in a new tab) — The CDC explains common concussion symptoms and danger signs that require emergency attention.
- MedlinePlus: headache medical guidance(opens in a new tab) — Urgent warning signs that make a headache an emergency question.
This page provides general information. It cannot diagnose an injury or replace emergency or medical care.