Post-Traumatic Headache Syndrome

A headache after a car accident might seem minor at first, but if the pain lingers for weeks or even months, it could be a sign of something more serious like post-traumatic headache syndrome (PTHS).

At The Stoddard Firm, we’ve helped our clients in Atlanta who are struggling with the effects of trauma-related headaches. We know that these injuries aren’t always visible, but their impact is real.

When Is a Headache More Than Just a Headache?

Experiencing a headache after sustaining an injury from a car crash or a fall may indicate a more complex medical issue known as post-traumatic headache syndrome (PTHS). 

For those questioning what’s a post-traumatic headache, it’s a type of relentless headache following injury to the head or neck region, usually associated with damage to the brain or severe shaking of the head. Pain from such headaches isn’t comparable to ordinary ones, lasting several weeks up to several months. These headaches may signal lower-level brain damage, including concussive injuries or more serious trauma.

What Is Post-Traumatic Headache Syndrome?

Post-traumatic headache syndrome is defined as a headache developing within seven days of a TBI or within seven days of regaining consciousness after a TBI. If the headache lasts longer than three months, it is considered persistent post-traumatic headache, also known as chronic post-traumatic headache. Concussions, which are mild TBIs, are just as likely to produce post-traumatic headaches as more damaging head injuries, according to medical experts.

Common Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Headache Syndrome

Individuals experiencing post-traumatic headaches may notice a variety of symptoms that distinguish them from regular headaches:

• Throbbing or Pulsating Pain: This type of pain can be felt within the head, is similar to a migraine, and can cause additional pain during physical activity or light exposure.
• Tension or Pressure Sensation: This form of headache is classified by a feeling of tightness surrounding the neck or head.
• Nausea and Dizziness: These symptoms are often present and associated with post-concussive headaches and vestibular dysfunction.
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Responses to stimuli are higher than usual, making mundane daily tasks a struggle.
• Cognitive Impairments: An individual can experience loss of focus or memory and mental fatigue.
• Mood Changes: Feelings of annoyance, worry, or sadness in response to chronic pain and discomfort.

Causes and Triggers of Post-Traumatic Headaches

Post-traumatic headaches develop as a result of head injuries affecting the brain, nerves, and vascular system. Common causes and triggers include:

• Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even mild TBIs can result in persistent headaches.
• Whiplash or Neck Trauma: Sudden neck movement can cause cervicogenic headaches.
• Inflammation and Swelling: Damage to blood vessels or nerve endings can lead to ongoing pain.
• Disruptions in Neurochemical Function: Changes in serotonin and dopamine levels affect headache patterns.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional distress following an accident can exacerbate symptoms.

Diagnosing Post-Traumatic Headaches

Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by medical professionals. Physicians typically assess post-traumatic headaches through:

• Neurological Examinations: Evaluating reflexes, coordination, cognitive function, and response to stimuli.
• Imaging Tests (MRI or CT Scans): These tests identify potential brain injuries, structural abnormalities, and any swelling or bleeding in the brain.
• Symptom Tracking: Patients may be asked to record headache frequency, duration, and intensity to determine patterns.
• Specialized Testing: Vestibular and neurocognitive tests to examine brain function, sensory issues, and any underlying neurological impairments.

Treatment Options and Recovery Outlook

Medical Treatments and Therapies

Post-traumatic headaches require individualized treatment plans based on severity and underlying causes. Options may include:

• Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and migraine medications to manage pain and inflammation effectively.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening neck muscles, improving posture, and engaging in targeted exercises to alleviate cervicogenic headaches.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Managing stress, anxiety, and emotional responses to chronic pain while helping patients develop coping strategies.
• Vestibular Therapy: Addressing balance, dizziness, and coordination issues that may arise due to brain injuries.
• Acupuncture and Alternative Treatments: Some patients find relief from headaches through alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy, and relaxation techniques.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Implement dietary changes, hydration, and proper sleep habits to help reduce headache frequency and severity.

Cost of Treatment and Financial Implications

The financial burden of treating post-traumatic headaches can be significant. Costs may include:

• Emergency and Ongoing Medical Care: Initial evaluations, follow-ups, imaging tests, and specialist visits.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: Physical therapy, neurological rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, and counseling sessions tailored to individual needs.
• Medications and Pain Management: Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and alternative treatments like Botox injections for chronic headaches.
• Lost Wages and Reduced Work Capacity: Time off work due to persistent symptoms, diminished productivity, and potential long-term disability.
• Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: In severe cases, patients may require specialized equipment or modifications to their home environment to accommodate mobility or cognitive challenges.

For many victims, the high cost of care necessitates seeking legal compensation to cover expenses. Working with a knowledgeable brain injury attorney in Atlanta can help ensure that all current and future medical expenses are accounted for in a legal claim.

Legal Rights for Post-Traumatic Headache Victims in Atlanta

Understanding Compensation for Medical Expenses and Pain

If someone else’s negligence caused your post-traumatic headaches, you may be entitled to compensation. Under Georgia law, injury victims can seek damages for:

• Medical Bills: Covering emergency care, imaging tests, and ongoing treatments.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for chronic pain and reduced quality of life.
• Lost Income: Recovery of wages lost due to inability to work.
• Future Medical Costs: Anticipated expenses for long-term rehabilitation.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Case

Georgia Code § 51-12-33 follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. You may be barred from recovering damages if you are more than 50% responsible for your injury. This highlights the importance of working with a legal representative to establish fault and maximize compensation.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for a Brain Injury Case?

At The Stoddard Firm, we are committed to helping brain injury victims in Atlanta seek the compensation they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Our team provides:

• A Track Record of Success in Brain Injury Cases: Handling complex traumatic brain injury claims with a deep understanding of the legal challenges involved.
• Custom Legal Approaches: Strategies designed to address the specific details of each case, ensuring the best possible outcome.
• No Upfront Costs: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are only paid if we win your case.
• Dedicated Client Support: Ensuring clear communication, compassionate representation, and relentless pursuit of justice for those we represent.

We Have a Winning Record in Invisible Injury Cases

Experience counts in complex injury cases. The seasoned attorneys at The Stoddard Firm have successfully secured both verdicts and settlements for many clients with post-traumatic headaches and other invisible and harder to prove injuries.

Matt Stoddard, the firm’s founder, has extensive background fighting for the rights of injury victims. He has tried many high-dollar cases and achieved winning results. He and the entire attorney team are responsive, hardworking, and aggressive in taking on parties who negligently or intentionally cause injuries to others. You can trust them to fight for you.

What We Will Do for You

We recognize the weight of what you’re going through when you have post-traumatic headache syndrome. We’ll take the time to learn the specifics of your condition and the injury that led to it so that we can build a strong claim on your behalf. We will negotiate for a fair settlement with the insurance company of the negligent party who caused your injuries.

If your case goes to trial, the extensive homework we have done about your condition and the long-term impacts it has on your life will allow us to explain it to the court in an understandable, relatable manner. Our goal will be to get you the best financial outcome possible.

Every step of the way, we’ll work to take the stress of legal proceedings off of your shoulders, so you can devote maximum energy to getting well.

Experienced Injury Lawyers Answer FAQs

Here are answers to some of the questions our lawyers have gotten about trauma-related headaches. These answers are for information only—always see a doctor if you have suffered a head injury and/or are getting headaches.

How can I tell if I have a migraine or post-traumatic headache syndrome?

Although post-traumatic headaches and migraines share similar symptoms, research indicates they are not the same thing. One study found that headache patients who had suffered a traumatic brain injury were significantly more likely to show symptoms of dysautonomia, which is a nervous system disorder, than uninjured patients with comparable migraine symptoms. Some of the common signs of the disorder include dizziness/vertigo, excessive or inadequate sweating, and difficulty swallowing. Your doctor can help you discover whether you suffer from post-traumatic headache syndrome.

Who is at higher risk of post-traumatic headaches?

People with a history of migraines may be at higher risk of developing post-traumatic headaches following traumatic brain injuries. Adult women may be more susceptible after a sports-related TBI injury, But young males are also affected in large numbers, partly because they are more likely to engage in hobbies and careers that carry elevated risks of sustaining TBIs. High school football players and service members also have higher risk of trauma-related headaches.

How will your lawyers prove that I have post-traumatic headache syndrome?

We will work to prove your condition by introducing extensive data about the prevalence of post-traumatic headache syndrome in TBI sufferers. We will make the link between your TBI and the post-traumatic headache symptoms you are now suffering and will introduce your medical evidence that describes your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Our attorneys will also engage medical experts to testify about your condition.

For legal guidance specific to your situation, reach out to us directly.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

What’s a post-traumatic headache, and how it can affect your daily life? These headaches can indicate underlying injuries that require medical attention and legal action. The Stoddard Firm is committed to securing compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and overall well-being. Our legal team will work tirelessly to build a strong case and advocate for your rights. Call us today at 470-467-2200 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.