Headache and Migraines Forum - Head pain symptoms after car accident

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Q: Head pain symptoms after car accident

asked by: DoctorQuestion on October 26th, 2009

Hi, I participated in an off-road 'Race for the Cure' just over 2 weeks ago and we rolled our car. The car was equipped with a roll cage and all required safety restrains, however, I failed to secure the chinstrap on my helmet. The car rolled twice and all the while my helmet was flying around smacking me in the head, I think I was also hit by several tools flying around in the car. After being assessed by one the scene medics I went to the local hospital where I was given neck & shoulder X-rays and a CT scan which came out okay. I was given a couple prescritions for pain killers and muscle relaxers and sent on my way. For the first week following the left side of my head hurt so bad, felt like my brain was swollen under my skull. I was told to expect pain for a while so I took my pain meds and rested alot. The second week I just had a slight recurring headache. I woke up today experiencing pain and tenderness in the left side of my head and ear pain. Is this normal?

Replies(1)

Dr. Antonio Marotta , D.C.

replied on November 2nd, 2009

Headache and Migraines Answer A7649

These symptoms are common after a car accident. These symptoms generally last from 6-12 weeks. However, it is possible that these symptoms are coming from whiplash (torn muscles in the front and back of your neck). You might consider consulting with a chiropractor to see if this is occurring. This type of injury would not show up on an xray, and the problems resulting can last for many years. Some questions I would ask you would be: Does your neck hurt at all? Does the pain start around the base of your neck and travel up around your ear to your temple area? Is it tender on top of your collar bone (wear it connects to your sternum)? If so then it could be whiplash or a strain of your neck muscles.

Antonio Marotta, D.C.

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