Migraine Headaches Due to Head Trauma

A migraine headache that occurs after head trauma commonly indicates a serious medical problem. It is important to know the signs, symptoms and dangers of migraine headaches related to head trauma.

Identification

• Migraines are a type of headache that causes significant pain for extended periods of time (hours or days). A migraine headache can be so severe that you cannot focus on anything other than the headache.

Cause

• A common cause of migraines is head trauma. Head trauma occurs when the scalp, skull or brain are injured. These injuries can range from minor bumps to serious brain injuries.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of migraine headaches from head trauma include severe pain, often felt in the front of the head, preceded by vision disturbances. The pain often feels like a pounding or throbbing in the forehead or temples.

Effects

• Head trauma causes injury to the arteries and veins leading to the brain, causing them to become much smaller. Then, suddenly the veins give up completely and open wide, which leads to a rush of blood to the brain. This rush of blood is what initiates the throbbing in the head.

Warning

• If you experience a migraine headache as a result of trauma, it is important to seek medical care immediately. A migraine headache could indicate a serious neurological problem, such as an injury to the brain.