Headaches Weeks After an Accident: When to Ask About Concussion

Headaches that are still around weeks after an accident deserve a conversation with your provider.

Patterns to note

When they happen, what triggers them (screens, light, exertion), and how strong they are.

Possible connection to concussion

Persistent headache is one of the most commonly reported concussion symptoms, though it has many causes.

What to do

Keep a headache log and share it. Ask about standardized testing. Go to the ER right away for a sudden severe headache.

When it's an emergency

Go to the ER right away for a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, weakness, slurred speech, or increasing confusion. Mobile testing is not emergency care.

Braintree Health Partners provides diagnostics only. We diagnose. You treat.

Ask your provider to refer you: providers use /referral or call 813-709-3771.

Headaches that won't go away

Headaches are among the most common complaints after a crash, and for many people they get better in the first weeks. For others they keep coming back, sometimes daily, sometimes triggered by screens, noise, or exertion. Persistent headaches make it hard to work, sleep, and concentrate, and they deserve a careful look instead of simply being put up with.

Different sources, different care

Post-accident headaches can come from several sources, including the neck muscles and joints, the brain itself after a concussion, sleep disruption, stress, or overuse of pain medication. More than one can be involved. Working out the main contributors helps the treating provider choose the right care, which might involve spinal treatment, specialist referral, or changes to medication and routine.

How to describe your headaches

Tell your provider where the headache is, what it feels like (pressure, throbbing, stabbing), how severe it is on a 0–10 scale, how often it happens, how long it lasts, and what makes it better or worse. Mention related symptoms such as nausea, light or noise sensitivity, visual changes, or trouble thinking. A headache diary over a couple of weeks is extremely helpful.

When testing makes sense

If headaches come with cognitive, visual, balance, or sleep symptoms, or continue despite treatment, your provider may refer you for standardized concussion testing. Braintree tests at your provider's office, and a physician reviews the results.

Habits that may help while you recover

Keep a regular sleep schedule, stay hydrated, eat regular meals, take screen breaks, and avoid overusing over-the-counter painkillers without your provider's guidance. Bring up any headache that's getting worse rather than waiting.

Headaches that need the ER

A sudden severe "worst-ever" headache, a headache that keeps getting worse, or one accompanied by vomiting, confusion, weakness, numbness, vision loss, slurred speech, seizures, or a stiff neck with fever needs emergency care. Call 911.

Talking with your provider about medication

Keep a record of what you take for headaches, how much, and how often. Frequent use of some pain relievers may contribute to ongoing headaches, so your provider needs an accurate picture. Don't stop prescribed medicines without guidance.

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