Headaches Caused by Whiplash

Post traumatic headaches, or headaches caused by whiplash is the second most common symptom of whiplash after neck pain.
There are 5 different types all caused by whiplash, each with their own set of symptoms, prognoses, and treatments,
making getting to the root of the issue extremely important.

Cervicogenic Headache
While it sounds technical, this is just a headache that arises from the cervical spine.

Occipital Neuralgia
This is a specific type of cervicogenic headache that involves damage or pressure on the occipital nerve. It can be
caused by a direct blow to the suboccipital region or by an entrapment of a group of nerves. Specifically, in whiplash
trauma, forcible bending of the neck occurs when the head is thrown forward by accelerating/deaccelerating forces. This
sort of motion can put a strain on the greater occipital nerve, which can in turn entrap the nerves causing headaches.
Another source of potential nerve damage in this area is the crushing of the C2 spinal roots. The ganglia, or nerves, of
the C2 spinal roots are exposed on the vertebral arch of the axis. In this position, they are vulnerable to crushing
during forced hyperextension of the head. A study done confirmed this and stated the features of the C2 ganglion may
predispose to its vulnerability to compression.

Myofascial Headache
Most headache pains are attributed to myofascial trauma, or injuries of the muscled contraction type. There are a few
common issues in diagnosing these: 1. The pain associated with them may originate in a variety of places including the
head, neck, and even lower back and 2. They can cause referred pain in the occipital region of the head where there are
many delicate structures and swelling or spasms of the muscles can affect the occipital nerve, leading to pain. This
causes Myofascial headaches and Occipital Neuralgia to be misdiagnosed as one another.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Commonly known as “TMJ” or “Lock Jaw”, this injury is documented thoroughly as a sequela of whiplash, but is often
overlooked as a source of headaches post trauma. Headaches occur due to muscular tension in the jaw, causing referred
pain to other parts of the head.

Migraines
A poorly understood condition, many doctors are hesitant to attribute migraines to post traumatic events. The origins of
migraines are not agreed upon, but one study suggested neck pain or stiffness is a manifestation of extracranial
involvement during all phases of a migraine episode. As a result, migraines are associated with whiplash due to the
movement and trauma of the neck. Furthermore, studies are showing migraines can also be caused by chronic low back pain,
dysfunctional patterns of muscle use, and development of painful muscles in the back and neck – all of which can be
caused by whiplash.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Headaches are the most common neurological symptom following minor closed head injuries. Researchers have found it is
due in part to decreased blood flow to the head in post-traumatic patients.

Other Headaches
Vascular Headaches – One study found in post-traumatic injury patients, their cerebral circulation is slowed for months
and even years following a traumatic event that causes a mild head injury
Analgesic Rebound Headaches
Overuse of pain medications can cause headaches and some pain medications have headaches as a side effect
Treatment
Because untreated headaches can lead to more severe symptoms, treatment in all cases of post traumatic headaches is
important. While conservative treatment such as pain medication, massage, and chiropractic manipulation of the area
treat most headaches, in some instances, surgery to relieve nerves may be necessary.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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