A new headache after a car wreck can be a concussion symptom, but a headache alone does not establish a concussion. It can also follow a neck injury or another condition. The useful first question is whether the headache comes with a danger sign that needs emergency care. After that, a clinician can assess the injury, its timing and any other symptoms.
When the headache needs emergency attention
The CDC lists a headache that gets worse and does not go away among adult danger signs after head trauma. Repeated vomiting, seizure, new weakness, slurred speech, increasing confusion or difficulty waking are other reasons for immediate emergency evaluation. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for those signs. Do not wait to see whether the headache improves overnight.
A less dramatic headache still warrants medical attention when it is new after a collision, especially with dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, fogginess or a change in sleep. The CDC notes that concussion symptoms may appear right away or emerge hours or days later. Tell the clinician what changed and when, rather than trying to label the injury yourself.
What a normal scan can and cannot tell you
A person may have a concussion without a visible scalp injury or loss of consciousness. MedlinePlus explains that a clinician evaluates the injury history, symptoms and neurologic function. A CT or MRI may be used to look for bleeding or another serious problem. The CDC says a scan is not needed to identify every mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. A normal scan therefore should be discussed in the context of the full clinical evaluation; it is not a reason to ignore a persistent or changing headache.
Keep the discharge instructions and attend recommended follow-up. If symptoms worsen after you resume ordinary activity or do not improve, tell the healthcare provider. Ask when it is safe to drive, work or exercise. Our separate articles discuss fatigue during recovery and mood changes after a concussion.
Record the headache without forcing a diagnosis
For the medical visit, note when the headache began, whether it is getting better or worse, what other symptoms appeared and any medication you took. Mention a head strike if there was one, but also describe the vehicle movement and any neck pain. A short, accurate timeline is more useful than trying to match every symptom to a checklist.
If another driver’s conduct caused the crash, the claim will need evidence of both fault and injury. A crash report and photographs help establish what happened on the road; treatment records help show the symptom course and effects on work or daily life. Neither vehicle damage nor a normal scan, by itself, establishes or rules out the extent of a brain injury. The Baton Rouge car accident page explains the broader claim investigation.
Louisiana’s general delictual deadline under Civil Code article 3493.1 is generally two years for injuries arising on or after July 1, 2024. Earlier incidents may follow a different period. Once immediate health needs are addressed, a lawyer can check the deadline and the available claim evidence. The firm can be reached at (225) 500-5000.
Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. Sources checked: September 27, 2026.
This article provides general medical and Louisiana legal information. Diagnosis, treatment, causation and deadlines depend on the individual facts.