OpenHealth Q&A

Headaches Two Weeks Post-Car Accident: Am I Overreacting or Should I Seek Further Evaluation?

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance and perhaps to hear from others who have encountered similar situations, as I’m feeling uncertain about whether I am being overly anxious or if I should advocate more for my health. It has been fourteen days since I was in a car accident. The road conditions were poor, causing my vehicle to lose grip, resulting in a spin where I hit a guardrail, leading my car to roll onto its side and ultimately land in a ditch. My vehicle was completely ruined. Initially, I was under the impression that my car rolled just once. However, a witness, a driver behind me, informed me that it actually rolled two times. This raises concerns for me about whether I might have lost consciousness briefly, although I have no recollection of that. I sustained no visible injuries—there were no marks or scratches on my body. Out of caution, I was taken to the emergency room via ambulance, where the medical team performed a quick external evaluation before discharging me home. That night, I began to experience unusual headaches. The pain seemed to fluctuate in location; sometimes it was at the front, other times at the sides or the back of my head. The following day, the headaches persisted and I noticed occasional numbness or tingling in my right arm that would subside after a few minutes. Additionally, I felt woozy upon entering warm environments, like getting into a heated car. Due to the ongoing headaches, I returned to the ER on the second night, requesting preventive imaging for my head. However, I was told that I didn’t meet the criteria for a scan, as I was not exhibiting severe symptoms like vomiting, and I was sent home once more. I spent the next four days at home, with a constant but manageable pressure sensation in my head. When I resumed work at the bar, the headaches remained but became significantly worse during busy, noisy periods. During these times, the pressure escalated, sometimes leading to intense pain. I also experienced dizziness when I stood up after bending down to stock items, which would last for a minute or two. Yesterday, I finally consulted my physician due to the persistence of my headache, which has now extended to fourteen days. This duration feels abnormal to me. I shared the details of my accident along with my symptoms: ongoing headaches, sensitivity to noise, and intermittent dizziness. My doctor ordered a head X-ray, which I found peculiar given the lack of external injuries and the internal nature of my symptoms. Unsurprisingly, the X-ray results were normal. She informed me that she couldn’t authorize an MRI referral because I “don’t have enough symptoms,” noting that I’m not vomiting. Her recommendations included rest, meditation, and spending time outdoors, suggesting that my issues might stem from subconscious anxiety. Therefore, I’d like to ask: Am I being overly cautious? Is experiencing prolonged headaches typical after an accident? Should I consider advocating for more tests or even funding a private MRI for peace of mind? I would greatly value any insights or similar experiences you could share. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Answers (1)

12/17/2025, 4:10:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious about your health following a car accident, especially with persistent headaches and neurological symptoms. While prolonged headaches can sometimes occur after trauma due to various factors, including tension, stress, or post-concussion syndrome, your symptoms merit careful attention.

Explanation:

Headaches occurring after an accident can stem from a variety of causes, including:

• Tension: Stress from the accident can lead to muscle tension and headaches.
• Cervical Strain: Neck injuries can cause inflammation and headaches.
• Post-Concussion Symptoms: Even if you weren't diagnosed with a concussion, some individuals can still exhibit symptoms if there was significant force applied to the head.
• Vasomotor Instability: Dizziness and feeling woozy can be related to changes in blood pressure and circulation.

Given your detailed description of symptoms—persistent headaches, sensitivity to noise, and dizziness—it's valid to consider further evaluation, especially since these issues have lasted for an extended period.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Keep a diary documenting your headache patterns, triggers, duration, and any accompanying symptoms (like dizziness or numbness). Noting when your symptoms worsen or improve can help identify patterns and report them to a healthcare professional.

2. Reassess with a Physician: If symptoms continue or worsen, advocate for a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider or a neurologist. Present your symptom diary and emphasize how these issues are impacting your daily life.

3. Consider Imaging Options: While your doctor mentioned that you do not have enough symptoms to warrant an MRI, if your headaches persist or become more debilitating, discussing the option of a private MRI or CT scan for peace of mind may be worthwhile.

4. Manage Stress: Engage in stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle physical activity like stretching or walking. These can help mitigate some headache and dizziness symptoms.

5. Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye on any new symptoms like increased numbness, weakness, or visual changes, as these warrant immediate medical attention.

It’s important to listen to your body and prioritize your well-being. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns, and don’t hesitate to seek further evaluations if you believe your symptoms aren’t improving or if new symptoms emerge. You are taking appropriate steps to ensure your health.