Causes, Symptoms, and Pain Relief Tips
Headaches are one of the most common complaints after a traumatic brain injury, with nearly four of every ten persons reporting migraine-level headaches in the aftermath of a bump or blow to the head. What are the common causes of TBI-related headaches? What types of headache symptoms can you expect when you suffer a traumatic brain injury? What are the best treatment options?
What Are the Common Causes of TBI-Related Headaches?
When you’ve suffered trauma to your head or neck, it’s common for your body to respond with swelling or inflammation. When the swelling occurs in your brain, enclosed as it is inside your skull, the pressure of your brain against the inside of your skull can cause headaches.
There are, however, a number of other potential causes of headaches after a TBI:
- A TBI may bring about vision problems, which can put additional stress on your brain, causing pain, particularly when you’re using your eyes to read or look at a screen.
- You may experience vestibular dysfunction, where injury to your inner ears interferes with your body’s system for maintaining balance, forcing your brain to rely on visual input to avoid dizziness or vertigo, thereby taxing your brain.
- Traumatic brain injury often disturbs normal sleep patterns, which can lead to headaches.
What Are Symptoms of a TBI-Related Headache?
Some of the characteristics of traumatic brain injury headaches include:
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Headaches that commonly arise in the morning
- Headaches that are triggered or exacerbated by bright light or loud noises
- Headaches focused in the frontal area of your brain
- Throbbing or stabbing pain in your eyes or forehead
- Balance or coordination problems accompanying headache
What Are Treatment Options for a TBI-Related Headache?
Though some types of pain medication or anti-inflammatories may provide initial relief, pharmaceutical products are not a good long-term solution. Every traumatic brain injury is different, so the first and most important thing to do is schedule a visit to your primary care physician for a thorough examination. Your doctor may prescribe a regimen of care or refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or a physiatrist.
Treatment may include physical or occupational therapy, vision or vestibular therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, or therapeutic massage. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, including:
- Exercise
- Abstention from alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine
- Revised diet
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
Contact Us To Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of head injury, including concussion or other traumatic brain injury. We have the knowledge, skill, experience and resources to effectively diagnose any type of head injury, and we may either prescribe a regimen of treatment that we will monitor, or refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or physiatrist.
Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
