Concussion Awareness: Do You Have a Headache After Hitting Your Head?

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms reported after a concussion. Concussions often result from whiplash, which can affect the neck area as well.

These headaches are often cervicogenic headaches, or secondary headaches, meaning they are caused by another illness or physical issue, common after whiplash injuries or hard hits to the head.

People often describe three types of headache after a concussion:

  1. A headache that’s present most of the time and sometimes changes locations
  2. A headache that feels more like pressure and comes on when trying to do different tasks
  3. A headache that’s present when you wake up that comes from pain in the neck

While these types of headaches are described differently, they are all post-traumatic headaches, which occur following a traumatic injury. The following headaches can be caused by multiple impairments related to the injury including:

  • Disrupted sleep
  • Poor Nutrition
  • Nausea
  • Poor hydration
  • Impaired eye movements
  • Sensitivity to light and noise

This list includes some of the most common causes of headaches, but not all possible causes. All of the above impairments are treatable and manageable.

The concussion specialists at Sheltering Arms are specifically trained on assessments and treatment strategies to address all of the above impairments as well as other possible causes of your symptoms. If you think you or a loved one are suffering from one or more of the above impairments, email us or call (804) 764-1000 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with one of our concussion experts.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Connected Pain: How Your Neck May Be Causing Your Headaches

If you have ever dealt with nagging neck pain, you are far from alone. In fact, research shows that roughly half of us will experience a significant episode of neck pain at some point in our lives. Whether it stems from a sudden whiplash injury, age-related changes like arthritis, a pinched nerve, or simply the daily muscle strain of looking down at our phones or computer screens, neck pain is incredibly disruptive. It can present as a dull ache or a sharp, catching pain, and it often robs you of your ability to turn your head comfortably. But there is another common symptom of neck stiffness that surprises many people: headaches.

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are distinct, separate professions, each requiring its own specialized education, licensing, and expertise. Because both fields share the ultimate goal of improving a patient’s independence and quality of life, their roles can sometimes seem to overlap.

Aphasia

Aphasia and the Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist

Aphasia (pronounced uh-FEY-zhuh) is the medical term used to describe difficulty with the production and comprehension of language. This can occur after a stroke or other injury to the brain. In addition to speaking, aphasia can also affect listening, reading, and writing. Individuals with aphasia may experience trouble finding the right words and producing intact sentences, which can impact their ability to express themselves as well as having trouble understanding what others are saying to them. In the most severe cases, a person with aphasia may be non-verbal, meaning they are not able to speak at all.

Reframing Your Outlook on Aging

May is Older Americans Month—a time dedicated to encouraging older adults to take an active role in their well-being through prevention, wellness, and self-management. Yet despite these empowering goals, aging is still often framed negatively in our society. By shifting how we think about getting older, and about ability more broadly, we can create a more positive, inclusive experience for everyone.

Simple Tips to Stay Active

Staying active doesn’t have to mean long workouts or a packed gym schedule. For most people, it’s really about finding simple ways to move more throughout the day. Those small choices—done consistently—can add up to real benefits for your energy, mood, and overall health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.