Headache After a Car Accident: Concussion Signs That Can Show Up Later

Quick answer: A headache after a car accident can be a sign of a concussion, and MedlinePlus says some symptoms may not occur right away. They can show up a few days or weeks later. If you were in a crash in Decatur and have a headache that is getting worse, confusion, repeated vomiting or trouble walking or talking, get medical care right away, before any chiropractic visit.

What is a concussion?

MedlinePlus calls a concussion a mild traumatic brain injury, or mild TBI. A TBI can occur when the head hits an object or a moving object strikes the head, and vehicular accidents are among the causes it lists. A big movement of the brain, called jarring, in any direction can also make a person lose alertness.

MedlinePlus’s concussion page adds a detail worth noticing: it happens when a hit to the head or body causes your head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. People sometimes call a concussion “mild,” but the page says that while concussions may not be life-threatening, they can still be serious.

Do you have to pass out to have a concussion?

No. MedlinePlus says mild TBIs do not always lead to loss of consciousness, and most people never pass out. They may describe seeing all white, all black or stars. A person can also have a mild TBI and not realize it.

That is why “I never blacked out” does not settle the question after a crash.

What are the signs?

Symptoms change during recovery and differ from person to person. Here is how MedlinePlus groups them:

Group	Signs MedlinePlus lists	What to do
Milder TBI or concussion	Headache, feeling confused or unable to concentrate, being drowsy or hard to wake, memory loss around the injury, nausea and vomiting, flashing lights or light sensitivity, sleep changes	Contact your provider, and watch for the next two rows
Contact your provider right away	Headache that is getting worse, lasts a long time or does not get better with over-the-counter pain relievers; stiff neck; slurred speech; double or blurred vision; fever; fluid or blood leaking from the nose or ears; vomiting more than 3 times; problems walking or talking	Contact your provider right away
Emergency signs of a more severe TBI	Changes in alertness and consciousness, confusion that does not go away, seizures, muscle weakness on one or both sides, pupils of unequal size, unusual eye movements, repeated vomiting, walking or balance problems, a longer period of unconsciousness	Seek medical care right away

The emergency room page says to call 911 for a head injury with passing out, fainting or confusion. It also says to go to an emergency department or call 911 for an unusual or bad headache, particularly if it started suddenly. If you are unsure which row you are in, treat it as the more serious one, and tell whoever sees you that you were in a crash, even if it was a week ago.

What makes it tricky after a car accident?

Two things. First, the timing: some symptoms show up a few days or weeks later, so feeling fine at the scene does not end the question. Second, the overlap. The concussion page lists headache or neck pain among possible symptoms, and neck injuries cause headaches and neck pain too.

MedlinePlus also says head injuries that cause a TBI often occur with an injury to the neck and spine, and to take special care when moving people who have had a head injury. A sore neck and a headache could be whiplash, a concussion, both or something else. That is not something to sort out alone. If you also have numbness or weakness, read why those mean emergency care first.

How is a concussion checked?

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and check your nervous system, including pupil size, thinking ability, coordination and reflexes, MedlinePlus says. Tests may include a head CT scan, an MRI of the brain, blood and urine tests, or X-rays, and an EEG may be needed if seizures continue.

For a mild brain injury, no treatment may be needed, but be aware that symptoms can show up later. Your providers will explain what to expect, how to manage headaches, when you can return to sports, school, work and other activities, and which signs to worry about.

How long does recovery take?

MedlinePlus says healing from a TBI takes time. It may take days to weeks, or even months. During that time you may have trouble with memory or concentration, mild headaches, less tolerance for noise, tiredness, dizziness or blurry vision at times. Contact your provider if symptoms do not go away or are not improving after 2 or 3 weeks.

The concussion page says most people recover fully, though it can take some time, and rest is very important because it helps the brain heal. In the very beginning, you may need to limit physical activities and activities that take a lot of concentration, such as studying or working on the computer.

Where does a chiropractor fit in?

After the serious causes have been looked at, not before. Headaches following a collision may have several causes, including neck-related musculoskeletal problems, concussion or other injuries. Because some post-accident headaches require urgent medical attention, this office assesses associated symptoms and recommends further evaluation when indicated. New, severe, worsening or unusual headaches should receive prompt medical evaluation.

At a first visit, Dr. Jackson asks about the accident and your symptoms, and the exam may include reflex, motor and sensory testing. Tell her about any head injury, any loss of consciousness and anything on the list above, even if it has passed. Treatment may be deferred or modified if your findings suggest you need more medical evaluation. See how a first visit works.

What should you write down?

Write down the date of the crash, whether your head or body took a hit, whether you remember all of it, and the day each symptom started. Take that list with you to every appointment. If you are also dealing with insurance questions, Georgia’s insurance office explains what drivers must carry.

Why see Dr. Jackson after a crash in Decatur?

Once the urgent questions are answered, car accident care at Total Health & Injury Specialist starts with a conversation and a thorough exam, with your findings reviewed the same visit. If you do not improve within four weeks, the approach includes a referral for an MRI when clinically appropriate, and concerning findings can mean sooner. The office is in Decatur at 5304 Panola Industrial Blvd, Suite E. Call (404) 734-9740 or contact the office.