Managing persistent headaches after a concussion
Headaches are common in the first few days after a concussion. For some people, they go away quickly. For others they can last for weeks or even months.
You might feel:
- A dull ache on both sides of your head
- A strong, throbbing pain like a migraine
- Feeling sick or sensitive to light and noise
What you can do:
- Use pain medicines from the chemist in the short term. Always use as directed.
- See a doctor. They can help figure out what kind of headache you have and suggest the best treatment.
- Keep a headache diary. Write down when your headaches happen, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse.
- Keep going with activity if your headache only gets a little worse for less than an hour. This is normal and helps your body get back to normal.
Healthy habits that can help:
- Drink plenty of water
- Get regular sleep
- Eat regular healthy meals
- Avoid situations where you may get another head injury
- Avoid alcohol and smoking nicotine
- Practise relaxation techniques (e.g. meditation and deep breathing)
If your headaches continue, talk to a doctor about your symptoms and remember to take your headache diary with you.
If your symptoms persist after two weeks, it’s important to see a doctor who may be able to help with more specific treatment options. If the doctor you see is not familiar with managing concussion symptoms, you can tell them about the ANZ Concussion Guidelines.
Have you or someone close to you had a concussion in the last 14 days?
- If you’re not already using the free HeadCheck app, download it now to help guide your recovery
- Tap “Concussion Recovery” and join the AUS-mTBI Study to get simple, daily tips and advice to support your recovery.