What You Need to Know About Headaches After Accidents in Oak Ridge TN

The long-term dangers of concussions have become increasingly apparent, particularly with the focus on injuries among professional football players in recent years. However, you might not realize that after suffering a concussion in a car collision or other accident, you could suffer from headaches for months or even years regardless of how serious the initial injury is. These lingering headaches are referred to as post-concussion or post-traumatic headaches. Post-traumatic headaches can cause debilitating symptoms; however, chiropractic treatment options are available. If you've suffered a concussion, visit a chiropractic serving Oak Ridge TN to learn about your treatment options.

Understanding the Possible Causes of Post-Traumatic Headaches in Oak Ridge TN

Severe head trauma can cause significant damage to the brain. However, the severity and persistence of post-traumatic headaches do not appear to be dependent upon the severity of the concussion. Rather, researchers have discovered that even mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to changes in brain functioning, perhaps due to the disruption of nerve fibers that can occur during the brain trauma. Additionally, it is known that after head trauma, cerebral circulation can become abnormal for months or years, which may facilitate the persistence of the symptoms.

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Headaches

To properly treat post-traumatic headaches, a chiropractor will need to know of all of your symptoms. The symptoms of post-traumatic headaches can vary considerably from patient to patient. Some patients may report a steady headache that affects both sides of the head and occurs on a near-daily basis. Sometimes, in addition to a low-grade headache, patients may suffer from episodes of severe headaches or migraine headaches. Post-traumatic headaches may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, blurry vision, tinnitus, sleep disturbances, personality changes, and anxiety.

Treating the Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Headaches

A chiropractor can provide effective care for patients with post-traumatic headaches. It is believed that reduced blood flow to the head and scalp is associated with these headaches. A chiropractic adjustment can restore healthy blood circulation to these areas by reducing nerve irritation. Electrical stimulation and relaxation techniques may also be helpful.