There are two main categories for headaches: primary and secondary.
A primary headache is when the head itself is the problem. Although the brain cannot feel pain, the inflammation of pain-sensitive parts of the body in and around the neck and head may be the cause of these types of headaches. There are types of primary headaches that may result from a crash injury.
A secondary headache is usually triggered by another condition and is usually more serious than a primary headache.
The following are the most common types of primary headaches:
Migraines – Severe headaches often characterized by pulsating pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or sometimes visual disturbances. They can be triggered or worsened by a car accident due to the sudden jolts, impact or emotional stress experienced during the incident.
Tension headaches – Commonly associated with muscle tension and stress. They typically cause mild to moderate pain, a sensation of pressure or tightness around the head, and may last for hours or even days following a car crash. The stress and anxiety associated with the accident can contribute to the development of tension headaches.
Post-traumatic headaches are the most common type of secondary headaches. These headaches often occur because of traumatic injuries suffered in a car crash. These headaches can be persistent and may have the same symptoms as migraines or tension headaches. They often require medical attention and evaluation to determine the extent of the underlying trauma.