Headaches After an Auto Accident: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment

Auto accidents often cause immediate and obvious injuries such as whiplash, back pain, or fractures. However, one of the most underestimated symptoms that may appear hours or even days later is headaches. These post-traumatic headaches can be a sign of underlying injury and may persist for weeks or months if left untreated. At Accident Clinics of Memorial Park, with locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Yukon, we specialize in identifying and treating accident-related headaches quickly and effectively.

If you’re searching for trusted accident care near me, we’re here to help. Let’s explore the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for post-accident headaches—and how a dedicated accident care doctor can make all the difference.

Why Do Headaches Happen After a Car Accident?

A car crash—whether high- or low-speed—creates a rapid acceleration and deceleration force that can damage muscles, joints, nerves, and soft tissues in the head and neck. Headaches may begin immediately or be delayed due to inflammation or subtle injuries not visible on standard imaging.

Some headache types caused by accidents include:

🔹 Whiplash-Related Headaches

Whiplash can injure the muscles and ligaments of the neck, causing tension that radiates to the head. These headaches typically start at the base of the skull and can feel like pressure or dull pain spreading forward.

🔹 Concussion (Traumatic Brain Injury)

Even if you didn’t hit your head, the brain can jolt inside the skull, leading to a mild traumatic brain injury. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory issues, nausea, and sensitivity to light or noise.

🔹 Occipital Neuralgia

If the occipital nerves in the neck are irritated or compressed, they can cause sharp, stabbing headaches along the back of the head and behind the eyes.

🔹 Cervicogenic Headaches

Injuries to the cervical spine (neck) can refer pain into the head. These headaches are often one-sided and worsen with neck movement.

🔹 Migraine Activation

Auto accidents can trigger migraines in people with a history of migraines, or even initiate them in those with no previous episodes.

Symptoms of Post-Accident Headaches

Each type of headache presents slightly differently, but common signs include:

  • Dull, throbbing pain across forehead or temples

  • Sharp, stabbing pain at the base of the skull

  • Pain behind the eyes or ears

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Sensitivity to light and sound

  • Visual disturbances or blurry vision

  • Neck stiffness or tenderness

If you’re experiencing any of these after a crash, visit a qualified accident care doctor right away.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Headaches following an accident should never be ignored—especially if they worsen over time or are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or changes in vision.

Contact Accident Clinics of Memorial Park if you experience:

  • Headaches within 7 days of a car crash

  • Headaches that don’t improve with rest or medication

  • Worsening neck pain

  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness

  • Memory problems or brain fog

Early intervention is key to preventing chronic headache syndromes and ensuring a full recovery.

Diagnostic Tools We Use

At our clinics in OKC, Tulsa, Norman, and Yukon, we use comprehensive diagnostic tools to identify the source of headaches:

  • Neurological exams to assess reflexes, coordination, and mental status

  • Imaging studies (MRI or CT scans) to rule out internal injury

  • Cervical spine X-rays for structural or joint issues

  • Pain mapping and trigger point evaluation

  • Consultation with neurologists when needed

Treatment Options for Headaches After a Car Accident

We offer a full range of treatments customized to your needs—whether your headaches are muscular, neural, spinal, or neurological in nature.

💉 Injections and Interventional Treatments

  • Occipital nerve blocks for nerve-related headaches

  • Trigger point injections for muscle tension headaches

  • Cervical facet joint injections for cervicogenic headaches

  • Epidural steroid injections (if spinal inflammation is involved)

💊 Medication Management

  • Muscle relaxants

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Migraine-specific treatments

  • Non-opioid pain relievers

  • Neuropathic pain medications

🧠 Cognitive and Neurological Support

  • Memory or cognitive rehabilitation for post-concussive syndrome

  • Referrals to neurology for persistent or complex headaches

🧍 Physical Therapy

  • Neck stabilization and posture correction

  • Manual therapy to reduce muscle strain

  • Myofascial release for chronic tension

Can Accident-Related Headaches Become Chronic?

Unfortunately, yes. If not properly diagnosed and treated, headaches from an auto accident can become a long-term condition, especially when related to:

  • Undiagnosed whiplash injuries

  • Chronic muscle tension

  • Misaligned cervical vertebrae

  • Persistent nerve inflammation

The longer you wait, the more difficult they can be to treat. That’s why it’s vital to see an accident care doctor who understands the complexities of post-traumatic headaches.

Legal and Insurance Assistance

At Accident Clinics of Memorial Park, we not only provide exceptional accident care—we also assist with:

  • Auto insurance claims

  • Attorney letters of protection (LOPs)

  • Documentation for personal injury lawsuits

  • Referrals to legal resources if needed

You don’t have to navigate the healthcare or legal process alone—we’re here to help at every step.

Why Choose Accident Clinics of Memorial Park?

When people in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Yukon search for “accident care near me” or “accident care doctor,” they choose us for our expertise, convenience, and patient-focused care.

✅ Multidisciplinary Headache Treatment

We approach headache relief from every angle: neurology, orthopedics, pain management, and physical therapy.

✅ Experienced Providers

Our doctors are skilled in identifying subtle post-traumatic injuries and delivering precise interventional treatments.

✅ Same-Day Appointments Available

Injuries don’t wait—and neither should you.

✅ Locations Near You

We’re proud to serve communities throughout Oklahoma with accessible clinics in:

  • OKC

  • Tulsa

  • Norman

  • Yukon

Patient Testimonials

“I had horrible headaches after my accident and didn’t know why. The team here diagnosed a neck injury that my ER missed. After some injections and therapy, I’m finally sleeping again.”
– Lindsay H., Norman

“These doctors know what they’re doing. They helped my son get treatment for a concussion after a fender bender. Great staff and super friendly.”
– Jason M., Tulsa

Book an Appointment Today

If you’re dealing with persistent headaches after an auto accident, don’t wait for the pain to go away on its own. The caring team at Accident Clinics of Memorial Park is here to provide complete accident care and treatment that gets results—so you can get back to living your life.

📍 Serving Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Yukon