Your day began as any other, but it certainly didn't end that way. When the other vehicle slammed into yours, it put an end to your "normal" days for a while. Considering what you went through, you probably didn't give a second thought to the fact that you had a headache.
It didn't begin until hours after the crash, so why would you worry? If you suffered head trauma, your head would've begun to hurt immediately, right? So, you took something to relieve the pain and tried to go on with your daily activities. The problem is that the pain never really went away. By the time you realized that there was more to this headache, your life may have been at risk.
When a headache is just a symptom
Head injuries are often difficult to pin down in the hours and days after an accident. For this reason, you should take a headache as a sign that something is wrong, especially when it comes later rather than sooner. Many people wait until the headache and one or more of the following symptoms arise together, which could put their lives in danger:
Vomiting
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Neck stiffness
Fever
Memory loss
Personality changes
Back, neck or shoulder pain
Vision changes
Numbness
Seizures
Uneasiness in speaking
If you have a severe headache that won't go away, along with one or more of these symptoms, seeking medical attention right away is vital.
Injuries that result in a headache
After an accident, a headache may result from one of the following injuries:
Whiplash
A blow to the head
A skull fracture
A concussion
A potentially dangerous rise in blood pressure
A headache could indicate that you suffered a closed head injury, which means that there are no outward signs of trauma. However, what's going on inside your head could threaten your life. A traumatic brain injury could result in permanent damage, and the longer you wait to seek medical attention, the more damage could occur.
You may experience a full recovery, but in the meantime, you may not be able to work and probably need medical intervention to help you heal. Your financial situation could quickly deteriorate due to your injuries. Fortunately, you could pursue compensation from the other driver involved in the crash. If the evidence proves negligence on that person's part, an Ohio civil court may enter a monetary judgment in your favor.