What is a Post-Traumatic Headache?
Posted in Brain Injuries on April 11, 2024
It is not uncommon for individuals to sustain headaches after their bodies experience a traumatic incident. Yes, this may seem like an obvious statement in situations where individuals sustain a bump or blow to the head, but even those who sustain trauma to other parts of their body can experience something called a post-traumatic headache. If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the Seattle brain injury lawyers at Elk & Elk.
Symptoms of a Post-Traumatic Headache
Post-traumatic headaches can manifest in various ways, closely mimicking symptoms of migraines or tension-type headaches. Individuals might experience throbbing pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, and issues with concentration. Some may also report feelings of nausea or abrupt mood changes.
These symptoms can surface immediately following the trauma or may develop days or even weeks later, complicating diagnosis and treatment efforts. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for managing the condition effectively and preventing further complications.
Seek Immediate Medical Care if You Experience Symptoms
In the aftermath of an injury that could cause a post-traumatic headache, there may not be any immediate signs and symptoms of an underlying injury. However, we encourage individuals who experience any type of bodily trauma to seek medical care as soon as possible. Sometimes, particularly with head injuries, a brain injury can occur without individuals knowing right away.
Individuals who experience any type of adverse symptom after an incident should go to the hospital right away. Underlying brain injuries can worsen and lead to various levels of brain damage if individuals do not receive prompt medical care.
Potential Long-Term Consequences of a Post-Traumatic Headache
The long-term impact of a post-traumatic headache can extend beyond just physical discomfort. According to research, if not properly addressed, these headaches can evolve into chronic issues, significantly impairing an individual’s quality of life. Chronic post-traumatic headaches have been associated with increased sensitivity to pain, greater susceptibility to subsequent head traumas, and psychological effects such as anxiety and depression.
The persistence of these headaches can hinder daily activities, impacting an individual’s ability to work, maintain social relationships, and perform routine tasks.
Can You Recover Compensation After Sustaining This Type of Injury?
You may be in for a post-traumatic headache, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. If the post-traumatic headache occurred as a result of the actions of another individual, entity, or business in Washington, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against alleged negligent party. A lawsuit puts the case into the civil court system and allows for discovery to uncover all evidence related to the injury. Often, a post-traumatic headache is accompanied by other injuries that occur as a result of the same incident, which means all of the injuries will be put together in one claim. For example, compensation for a post-traumatic headache may come through a claim based on multiple other injuries sustained in a car accident.
We encourage you to reach out to a skilled Seattle personal injury lawyer who can help walk you through this process and explore your options moving forward. Compensation may be available for medical bills associated with the injuries, along with lost wages and even pain and suffering damages.