After a crash, there can be a long list of immediate concerns: exchanging information, arranging a ride and figuring out what happens next. A headache deserves a place near the top of that list. Before focusing on appointments or returning to your routine, consider whether you need urgent medical help.
The injury-awareness message in Orlando City Health & Wellness Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 02, page 34, is a useful starting point: getting help after an accident matters. With a post-crash headache, the first question is what kind of help is appropriate.
Start with emergency warning signs
Call 911 or go to an emergency department immediately if a headache is becoming worse and will not settle, or if any of these occur after the crash:
Vomiting again and again.
A seizure, new weakness or numbness, or trouble coordinating movements.
Speech that becomes slurred, unusual behavior, increasing confusion or agitation, or difficulty recognizing familiar people or places.
Pupils that are different sizes.
Fainting, extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking the person.
These are warning signs, not a checklist for diagnosing yourself. Do not wait for an office appointment or for several signs to appear. CDC: concussion symptoms and danger signs.
Do not drive yourself to emergency care. A high-speed head impact or serious crash also calls for emergency assessment. After a head injury, people taking blood-thinning medicine or living with a bleeding disorder should seek urgent medical advice, even when symptoms seem manageable. NHS: head injury and concussion.
You do not have to hit your head or black out
A concussion can follow a force that makes the head accelerate or decelerate suddenly, including in a collision. Many people with a concussion never lose consciousness, and visible bleeding may be absent. Being awake and able to talk does not rule it out. American Association of Neurological Surgeons: concussion.
Notice more than the headache. Dizziness, sensitivity to noise or light, nausea, feeling mentally foggy, memory difficulties and changes in sleep or mood can also occur. Some symptoms emerge hours or days later. Tell a medical professional about new symptoms even if you initially felt okay. CDC: symptoms.
What an evaluation can clarify
A new headache after a collision deserves prompt medical assessment, particularly when concussion is possible. The evaluation may include questions about the event and tests of memory, attention and other thinking skills. A brain scan is not required to diagnose every concussion, but clinicians may use imaging when concerned about bleeding or another serious injury. The decision depends on the individual situation. CDC: evaluation and diagnosis.
Bring a short account of when the headache began, how it has changed and any gaps in your memory. Include previous head injuries, your medications and any symptoms that interfere with ordinary tasks. This information helps the clinician understand the injury and your needs. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: assessment.
Make the follow-up plan specific
If a clinician diagnoses a concussion and says home recovery is appropriate, ask for written instructions. CDC guidance generally recommends a brief period of rest, followed after one or two days by a gradual return to light activity. Reduce an activity if it worsens symptoms, and avoid situations that risk another head injury. Ask which medicines are safe for you. CDC: recovery guidance.
Keep follow-up appointments and track how you feel. Ask about work adjustments, breaks and when you can safely resume driving or other demanding activities. Persistent or significantly worsening symptoms need another conversation with your clinician; new emergency warning signs require immediate care. CDC: patient discharge instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a normal brain scan rule out concussion?
No. Concussion may occur with normal routine imaging. A clinician considers the injury history and symptoms rather than relying on a scan alone. AANS.
Can I sleep after being checked?
Follow your discharge instructions. For a minor head injury judged appropriate for home care, NHS guidance says you do not need to stay awake when tired and recommends a responsible adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Difficulty waking is an emergency sign. NHS.
When should I ask about lingering symptoms?
Contact your clinician if you are not improving. CDC specifically advises follow-up when symptoms persist beyond two to three weeks or worsen as usual activities resume. Do not wait that long if symptoms are worsening now. CDC.
Office care after urgent concerns are addressed
For stable, nonemergency injury concerns, Orlando City Health & Wellness offers auto injury evaluations, chiropractic care and physical therapy. These services do not replace emergency assessment or medical evaluation for suspected concussion. Schedule now for an office evaluation, or call Orlando at 407-250-5566 or Winter Park at 407-504-0117.
This article is general education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan.