Yes, a concussion can cause headaches. Head pain or pressure is one of the most common symptoms after a concussion, which is a type of brain injury caused by a blow or sudden movement of the head or body. Headaches may start immediately or appear hours or days later. Most improve during recovery, but some last longer and need medical evaluation.
Why can a concussion cause headaches?
A concussion occurs when a bump, blow, or sudden jolt causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This can affect normal brain function and lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. A person does not have to lose consciousness to experience a concussion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a concussion can involve changes in the brain and damage to brain cells. Headaches are one possible result, although the exact reasons for post-concussion headaches can differ. A neck injury sustained during the same event may also contribute to head pain.
What does a headache after a concussion feel like?
Headaches after a concussion can feel different from one person to another. Some people describe a dull ache or pressure, while others experience pain similar to a migraine or a tension-type headache. The location, intensity, and frequency of the pain may also change during recovery.
According to Mayo Clinic, headaches associated with persistent post-concussion symptoms may resemble migraines or tension-type headaches. When neck pain is also present, an injury to the neck may be contributing to the symptoms.
Headaches may occur alongside other symptoms, including:
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Unusual tiredness or changes in sleep
These are examples of symptoms that can occur after a concussion, not a checklist for confirming one. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so the circumstances of the injury and the overall pattern of symptoms matter.
When do concussion headaches start?
A headache may begin immediately after a head injury, but it does not always appear at once. Some people notice pain or other concussion symptoms hours or days later. A headache that develops after an injury should therefore not be dismissed simply because the person initially felt well.
The CDC's guidance on concussion symptoms explains that symptoms may appear right away or develop over the following hours or days. Symptoms can also change during recovery. If a headache begins later, becomes more frequent, or interferes with normal activities, a healthcare professional can assess whether it may be related to the injury or another cause.
How long can a headache last after a concussion?
There is no single recovery timeline for concussion headaches. Many people feel better within a couple of weeks, although headaches and other symptoms can last for several weeks or longer. The duration depends on the individual and the course of recovery.
Some people develop persistent post-concussion symptoms, which may include ongoing headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and problems with concentration or memory. Mayo Clinic describes persistent post-concussion symptoms as symptoms that typically last longer than three months. However, headaches that continue for days or weeks do not automatically mean that a person has this condition.
If headaches are not improving, keep returning, worsen with everyday activities, or disrupt sleep, school, work, or other routines, arrange a medical review. A healthcare professional can assess the symptoms and determine whether further evaluation or treatment is appropriate.
When is a headache after a concussion an emergency?
Although headaches can be part of concussion recovery, a headache after a head injury can sometimes signal a more serious problem, including bleeding inside the skull. Certain warning signs require immediate medical attention rather than waiting for the pain to pass.
The CDC identifies the following danger signs after a possible concussion:
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
- Slurred speech or difficulty recognizing people or places
- Weakness, numbness, or reduced coordination
- Seizures
- One pupil becoming larger than the other
- Loss of consciousness, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking up
Seek emergency medical care immediately if any of these warning signs develop after a head injury. Do not wait for a headache to become unbearable before getting help. Children may show different signs from adults, and a baby or young child may be unable to explain that their head hurts.
How are headaches after a concussion evaluated?
A healthcare professional will usually ask how the injury happened, when the headache began, how it has changed, and whether other symptoms are present. They may review any history of headaches or previous head injuries and examine neurological function, including memory, balance, coordination, and vision.
Not everyone needs brain imaging. Depending on the injury, examination findings, and warning signs, a clinician may decide whether a scan or other tests are needed to check for a more serious injury. The aim is to assess the cause of the headache and identify any problems that need specific treatment.
What can help during recovery?
Recovery should be guided by the symptoms and advice of a healthcare professional. After an initial period of relative rest, many people can gradually return to their usual daily activities as tolerated. Activities that clearly worsen symptoms may need to be reduced temporarily, with a gradual return as recovery progresses.
Follow medical advice about returning to sports, strenuous exercise, driving, school, or work. Contact a healthcare professional if headaches persist, worsen, or repeatedly return when activities resume. Do not return to contact sports or activities that could cause another head injury until you have been appropriately assessed and cleared to do so.
Medication decisions also deserve care after a head injury. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist which pain reliever is suitable for your circumstances, particularly if there is concern about bleeding, other medical conditions, or medicines already being taken. Do not use pain relief to ignore a worsening headache or delay emergency assessment.