After a concussion, headaches are a common symptom and usually last about 10 to 14 days. Most people experience headaches that gradually improve and resolve within this period as the brain heals. However, the duration can vary depending on the severity of the concussion and individual factors[1][5].
Some headaches start immediately after the injury, while others may develop over the first few days. These headaches can range from mild to moderate pain, often described as a band-like pressure around the head or forehead. In some cases, headaches may be accompanied by neck pain or jaw discomfort, which can indicate different types of post-traumatic headaches such as cervicogenic or TMJ-related headaches[2].
If headaches persist beyond a few weeks, especially past three months, they may be classified as chronic post-traumatic headaches. This condition is more complex and may require specialized treatment. Chronic headaches after concussion are not necessarily related to the initial severity of the injury and can become permanent if they last beyond six to twelve months[3].
During the first few days after a concussion, near-complete rest is recommended to help the brain recover. After this acute phase, a gradual return to light physical and cognitive activities is advised. Overuse of headache medications should be avoided as it can lead to rebound headaches. If headaches are severe or worsening, medical evaluation is important to rule out more serious complications[6][8].
In children, concussion symptoms including headaches may not appear immediately and can take up to 48 hours to develop. Monitoring for headache persistence or worsening during this time is crucial[7].
In summary, most concussion-related headaches resolve within two weeks, but if they last longer than a month or become severe, medical advice should be sought to manage potential chronic post-traumatic headache conditions.
Sources
https://www.medlink.com/articles/minor-closed-head-injury
https://www.concussionalliance.org/headaches
https://www.rozeklaw.com/post-traumatic-headache.html
https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/post-concussion-syndrome-why-your-symptoms-linger-how-to-recover
https://www.amenuniversity.com/blogs/news/concussion-warning-signs-5-symptoms
https://www.uofmhealth.org/our-care/specialties-services/concussion-treatment-recovery
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/signs-concussion-child
https://www.nyheadache.com/blog/rest-your-brain-after-a-head-injury
