Dealing With Post Concussion Syndrome After a Car Accident
Post-traumatic headaches resulting from a traumatic event like automobile accidents are pretty common. This can be an indication of serious traumatic brain injuries or something mild like occipital neuralgia.
Head or neck injury from motor vehicle accidents may cause occipital neuralgia. It’s important to consult a car accident attorney who will handle all the legal aspects of filing a claim so you can focus on your recovery.
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is a condition wherein the occipital nerves running through the scalp are inflamed or injured. This causes constant headaches that manifest as throbbing pain, intense piercing, or shock-like pain. The pain may originate behind your head or the upper neck. It may spread and reach the scalp or the back of your eyes.
Causes of Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia headache occurs when the occipital nerves are irritated or subjected to pressure. This may be due to injury, inflammation, or tight muscles that entrap the nerves.
In an auto accident, whiplash injury is a common occurrence that leads to post-traumatic migraines. The sudden force from a rear-end collision will cause a sudden and violent jolt of the head. The neck muscles will tighten as the head is rocked violently. As a result, any soft tissue, like nerves passing through the neck muscles, is affected. The pinched nerve will cause shooting pain.
Occipital Neuralgia Symptoms
Occipital neuralgia will make you experience excruciating post-accident headaches. The pain is considered similar to migraine headaches or whiplash headaches. Some describe it as burning, aching, electric shock, throbbing, or sharp piercing.
Even minimal movements like combing your hair can trigger pain. You may also feel soreness and become sensitive to light and touch.
Diagnosing Occipital Neuralgia
The headache symptoms felt from occipital neuralgia are comparable to migraine. Diagnosing this disease is quite tricky. The medical professional aims to rule out other conditions that can produce similar symptoms.
The medical professional will determine the cause of your severe headaches using the following methods:
Collection of detailed medical history – Headache pain that starts at the back and travels upwards to the spine is associated with occipital neuralgia. On the other hand, migraine headaches usually go together with visual disturbances and other pre-headache symptoms.
Physical examination – A negative response may be elicited when the occipital nerves at the base of the skull are pressed.
Anesthetic nerve block – Diagnosis can be confirmed if a positive response (loss of pain) is elicited after an anesthetic nerve block.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – This imaging test captures three-dimensional images to show possible impingement.
Treatment Options for Occipital Neuralgia and Neck Pain
The treatment for headaches after a car accident aim to reduce pain and suffering when you experience symptoms. You can recover at home with:
- Massage or heat to remove muscle strain.
- Intake of oral anti-inflammatory medicines, prescribed muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants
- Physical therapy
If the head pain doesn’t resolve, the doctor may recommend minimally invasive medical treatment or surgery.
Occipital Neuralgia and Head Injury
Head injuries from an auto accident can contribute to the development of occipital neuralgia due to damage to the occipital nerves.
If you’re experiencing persistent headaches after getting involved in a car accident, consult a medical professional right away. You may have sustained injuries like spinal cord injury or brain injury.
Managing Symptoms
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, you’ll be given a personalized pain management plan. It will help you cope with post-traumatic headaches and other symptoms of occipital neuralgia, like neck pain.
Stay compliant with your medical treatment plan and schedule follow-up check-ups with your doctor. This is vital for your recovery and documentation of injuries for car accident settlement.
Failing to take your medicines or attend your check-up will be perceived as a lack of commitment to recovery. Insurers might flag this and doubt the legitimacy of your head injuries.
Understanding Your Rights and Options
Have you been involved in a car accident and experienced neck injuries like occipital neuralgia? You may be able to receive compensation for damages.
Understanding your legal rights and options is essential. This will help you navigate the insurance claims process and seek fair compensation for your pain and suffering.
Available Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury
Head injuries vary from head pain to severe traumatic brain injury. This may lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and altered behavior. There are two types of compensable damages in head injury cases:
- Economic damages: These are lost earning potential, lost wages, and past and future medical expenses.
- Non-economic damages: These include mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, diminished quality of life, pain, and suffering.
Your car accident claim must take into account both types of damages you endured due to the car crash.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
The settlement amount awarded to car crash victims widely varies. An experienced car accident lawyer ensures you get the maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
Your Michigan car accident lawyer will help you with the following tasks:
- Collect the evidence required to prove the legitimacy of your claim, such as the costs of medical treatment needed for recovery.
- Substantiate the alleged negligence of the other driver.
- Give legal advice on the legal process of claims for car accidents.
Suffering from post-traumatic headaches is challenging. Your lawyer will spare you from the agonizing task of negotiating with the insurance company. In this way, you can focus on recovery and not worry about the money to pay for medical bills.
Contact The Clark Law Office Today.
Do you need a Michigan lawyer who has extensive experience personal injury law? The Clark Law Office has a team of lawyers who have worked in numerous vehicular accident cases.
We understand that a traumatic event like a car accident can take a huge toll on you. We will make sure to address all your concerns regarding your personal injury claim. Book an appointment today!
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