Headache After a Crash: Concussion Signs That Can Start Days or Weeks Later

Quick answer: A headache after a car accident can be a sign of a concussion, and MedlinePlus says concussion symptoms may not start right away. They may start days or weeks after the injury. If you were in a crash in San Diego and now have a headache that is getting worse, or weakness, numbness, repeated vomiting, confusion or slurred speech, see a health care professional before anything else, including a chiropractor.

What is a concussion?

MedlinePlus says a concussion is a type of brain injury that involves a short loss of normal brain function. It happens when a hit to the head or body causes your head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Notice the wording: a hit to the head or the body. You may not have hit your head at all. Concussions are a common sports injury, and MedlinePlus lists other causes too, including blows to the head, bumping your head when you fall, being violently shaken, and car accidents.

Sometimes people call it a “mild” brain injury. MedlinePlus says that while concussions may not be life-threatening, they can still be serious.

What are the signs?

Symptoms may include a headache or neck pain. You may also have nausea, ringing in your ears, dizziness or tiredness, and you may feel dazed or not your normal self for several days or weeks after the injury.

That overlap with neck pain is why this matters after a crash. A sore neck and a headache could be whiplash, a concussion, both or something else, and you can’t sort that out on your own.

When should you get help?

Here is how the signs line up with what MedlinePlus says to do:

What you notice	What MedlinePlus says
Head injury with passing out, fainting or confusion	Call 911
A seizure that lasted more than 1 minute, or from which the person does not rapidly awaken	Call 911
Unusual or bad headache, particularly if it started suddenly	Go to an emergency department or call 911
Dizziness or weakness that does not go away	Go to an emergency department or call 911
A headache that gets worse and does not go away, weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, repeated vomiting or nausea, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness or inability to wake up	Consult your health care professional, and call 911 if you cannot wait
Any of your symptoms getting worse	Consult your health care professional

The first four rows come from MedlinePlus’s emergency room page, and the rest come from its concussion page. If you are unsure which row you are in, treat it as the more serious one and get help now. Tell whoever sees you that you were in a crash, even if it was a week ago.

How is a concussion diagnosed?

MedlinePlus says your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about your injury. You will most likely have a neurological exam, which checks your vision, balance, coordination and reflexes. They may also evaluate your memory and thinking. In some cases you may have a scan of the brain, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to check for bleeding or inflammation in the brain or a skull fracture.

What should you tell the person who checks you?

Your provider will ask about your injury, so go in with the details written down. A headache that started several days after a crash can be easy to leave out, so say it plainly:

• The date of the crash, and whether your head or body took a hit
• Whether you passed out, or don’t remember part of what happened
• Each symptom, and the day it started
• What makes it better or worse, such as screens, reading or exercise
• Any care you have had since the crash

What helps you recover?

MedlinePlus says most people recover fully after a concussion, but it can take some time. Rest is very important because it helps the brain heal. In the very beginning, you may need to limit physical activities and activities that involve a lot of concentration, like studying, working on the computer or playing video games, since they can bring symptoms back or make them worse. When your health care provider says it is OK, you can start to return to your normal activities slowly.

Where does a chiropractor fit in?

After a health care professional has checked you, not before. Headaches and neck pain are on the list of conditions this office sees, but a chiropractic visit is not how you rule out a brain injury.

Dr. Anderson’s own advice is to consult with your doctor before making an appointment for chiropractic care after an automobile accident, and the office consults with your general practitioner before performing any adjustments. Tell him about any head injury, loss of consciousness, or symptom on the list above, even if it has passed. Your first visit includes your medical history and a full exam, with neurological tests if they are called for.

What should you do about the paperwork?

Write down when each symptom started. If anyone was hurt, California has a report due to the DMV within 10 days. Your auto policy may include medical payments coverage, and the Department of Insurance has a list of what to do after a crash.

Why see Dr. Anderson after a crash in San Diego?

Once a health care professional has seen you, car accident and whiplash care at Anderson Chiropractic & Wellness starts with your history and a full exam. The office is in Scripps Ranch, also serving Poway, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (858) 549-1088 or contact the office.