Concussion Headaches
Did you know that a headache is one of the most common symptoms after a traumatic brain injury? Concussion related headaches often occur unexpectedly and can last for several hours, days, or even weeks.
Concussion Symptom
“Headache”
What Does a Post-Concussion Headache Feel Like?
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how it feels, many of our concussion patients that experience headaches following a traumatic brain injury describe their headaches as “feeling different”.
The feeling varies from one person to the next. However, tightness, tension, and/or pressure are common sensations used to describe how concussion-related headaches feel. Other common expressions include: “I feel like there’s a tight band around my head” or “my head feels like it’s blowing up like a balloon.
Different Kinds of Post-Concussion Related Headaches
Migraine Headaches – Parts of the brain become hypersensitive and trigger pain signals. Symptoms include: throbbing sensation, nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and moderate-severe pain.
Tension-Type Headaches – Headaches associated with muscle spasms and muscle tension. Typically feels like a tight, squeezing sensation that occurs on both sides of the head or around the entire head.
Cervicogenic Headaches – Headaches that occur when there is injury to muscles and soft tissue in the neck and back of the head. Pain often starts in the neck and travels to the top of the head. Excessive neck movements can make the pain worse.
Rebound/Medication Related Headaches – Headaches that are caused by the pain medications themselves. Rebound headaches occur when you miss doses of medications or if you drastically change nutrient and caffeine consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Post-concussion headaches are a type of headache that can occur after a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. They can vary in severity and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound.
Post-concussion headaches can last for several weeks or months after the injury. On average post-concussion headaches will persist for 3-6 week. In some cases, they may persist for years. Any headaches lasting longer than 6 weeks are unlikely to go away on their own and may require concussion treatments.
Treatment options for post-concussion headaches may include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, hot or cold packs applied to the head or neck, or various neurological rehabilitation therapies. When recovering from a concussion, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider Like Broadview Spine and Health Center. Contact us today to get started.
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent post-concussion headaches, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing them. These include getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
It’s crucial to visit a doctor if your post-concussion headaches are severe or chronic. They can suggest suitable treatments and assist in identifying the underlying problem. Additionally, you should seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience any sudden or severe symptoms, such as confusion or difficulty speaking.