What can I do for headaches after a concussion?

Headache after a concussion is a common complaint that can arise from damage to brain membranes, blood vessels and nerve connections. This post-concussional headache differs from ordinary headache and can persist for weeks to months. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods and professional treatments available to reduce symptoms and promote recovery.

What causes headache after a concussion?

Headache after a concussion arises from damage to brain membranes, blood vessels and nerve connections in the head. The brain trauma disrupts normal communication between brain and nervous system, leading to inflammatory reactions and altered blood flow in the brain.

This post-concussional headache differs from ordinary headache because it arises from direct damage to brain tissue. The concussion causes microscopic tears in brain membranes and can lead to swelling of brain tissue. This affects the normal function of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate pain perception.

The nervous system plays a crucial role in this process. Damaged nerve pathways can become hypersensitive to stimuli, causing normal activities such as light, sound or movement to trigger headache. The brain needs time to repair these damaged connections and restore balance in the nervous system.

What types of headache occur after a concussion?

After a concussion, various types of headache can occur, each with specific characteristics. Tension headache is the most common type and feels like a tight band around the head. This headache is often worsened by stress, fatigue or concentration.

Migraine-like headache is characterised by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. This form can persist for hours to days and is often triggered by certain foods, stress or sleep deprivation.

Cervicogenic headache arises from problems in the cervical vertebrae and muscles. This headache radiates from the neck to the back of the head and can be accompanied by neck stiffness. Occipital neuralgia causes sharp, stabbing pain at the back of the head, often along the scalp, due to damage to nerves in the neck area.

How long does headache after a concussion normally last?

Headache after a concussion usually lasts several weeks to three months. In most people, symptoms gradually diminish within the first month. When headache persists for longer than three months, it is called chronic post-concussional headache.

The duration of recovery is influenced by various factors. The severity of the concussion plays an important role, as does the patient’s age. Young people often recover faster than older adults. Previous concussions can delay recovery.

Other factors that influence recovery time are general health, stress level, sleep quality and the presence of other injuries. People who return too quickly to normal activities or sport may experience delayed recovery. Adequate rest and a gradual increase in activities promote recovery.

What can you do yourself to reduce headache after a concussion?

Rest and a gradual increase in activities are essential for recovery. Avoid activities that worsen the headache and build up daily activities slowly. Listen to your body and take breaks when symptoms increase.

Good hydration helps with recovery. Drink water regularly and limit caffeine and alcohol. Ensure regular, healthy meals to prevent blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger headache.

Good sleep hygiene is crucial for recovery. Go to bed at fixed times, ensure a dark, cool bedroom and avoid screens before bedtime. Stress can worsen headache, so try relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or light meditation.

Light exercise, such as walking, can help, but avoid intensive sport until you have fully recovered. Avoid known triggers, such as bright light, loud sounds or busy environments, as much as possible during recovery.

When should you seek professional help for headache after a concussion?

Seek immediate medical help when the headache suddenly worsens or is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, double vision, speech problems or balance disorders. These may indicate more serious complications.

Professional help is also needed when the headache does not respond to self-care after four to six weeks, or when the pain is so severe that normal activities become impossible. Persistent nausea, vomiting or increasing sensitivity to light and sound are also reasons to seek help.

Other warning signs are personality changes, serious concentration problems, increasing fatigue or sleep problems that do not improve. When headache after several weeks impedes functioning at work, school or in daily life, professional guidance is important for optimal recovery.

How Ruggensteun helps with headache after a concussion

We offer specialised treatments for headache after a concussion through chiropractic care and cranial facial release techniques. These treatments focus on restoring the natural alignment of spine and skull, which improves nerve communication between brain and body.

Our approach includes:

• Gentle corrections of cervical vertebrae to reduce cervicogenic headache
• Cranial facial release techniques that can relieve pressure on brain membranes
• Treatment of muscle disorders in neck and shoulders
• Guidance with the gradual return to normal activities
• Advice on lifestyle factors that promote recovery

By supporting the nervous system and promoting the body’s natural healing, our treatments can help accelerate recovery after a concussion. For more information about cranial facial release or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us directly here.