Is a headache after a car accident serious?
Often it comes from a neck strain (whiplash) or a mild concussion and improves over days to weeks. But a headache after a crash can also signal bleeding or another brain injury, so any warning sign below needs emergency care right away, and any new headache after a crash deserves a medical check.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have
- A headache that gets worse and doesn't go away
- Repeated vomiting, confusion, slurred speech or unusual sleepiness
- Weakness, numbness or trouble with balance or vision
- A seizure, or a loss of consciousness at the time of the crash
- One pupil larger than the other, or clear fluid from the nose or ears
People who take blood thinners, and older adults, should be checked promptly even after a minor crash.
Common causes
- Whiplash. Strain of the neck muscles and joints can cause pain at the base of the skull that spreads forward. More on whiplash
- Concussion. A jolt to the head can cause headache with dizziness, trouble concentrating, light sensitivity or sleep changes.
- Muscle tension from the injury, stress and poor sleep after a crash.
How it's evaluated
A provider asks how the crash happened and when symptoms started, checks your neck and nervous system, and decides whether imaging is needed. Specialty Urgent Care in Dearborn has CT and X-ray in the building and sees walk-ins Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. For headaches that continue with neck pain, our pain physicians evaluate the source and plan care, which may include physical therapy and chiropractic care.
After the crash
Keep a simple log of when headaches happen and what makes them better or worse, and bring it to your visit. In Michigan, your auto insurer's personal injury protection usually pays for care related to the crash. How care works after a car accident
