Whiplash Headache Symptoms

Whatever activity is occurring that causes whiplash is traumatic enough. But unfortunately, many whiplash sufferers experience physical and psychological symptoms that can make the experience even more traumatic. These symptoms can range from very mild, such as a dull headache, to extreme, such as severe vertigo. They may also occur right after whiplash and only last for a few minutes, or they can take a day or two to surface before lingering for years. If you think you've suffered whiplash after an accident or injury, see your doctor to begin treatment right away in order to minimize these side effects.

Neck Pain

• It's not just the head that can be injured when whiplash occurs. The act of snapping your head violently forward and backward can cause major damage and pain to the neck as well. Therefore, one of the most common symptoms of whiplash is neck pain and stiffness. These may be present as soon as the whiplash occurs, or they may take up to 24 hours to surface. Many people walk away from whiplash injuries feeling fine, only to experiences neck pain and stiffness a few hours later or even the next morning. If you have or think you have whiplash, refrain from any strenuous motions or activities for at least one day, even if you feel fine.

Headache

• According to Chiro.org, a blog run by chiropractors for chiropractors, headaches are the second most common symptom in whiplash sufferers. The headache may start right away or may take some time to develop. Some people actually suffer from "late whiplash syndrome," meaning symptoms such as headaches can last for years.

Vision Problems

• Though it's one of the least common symptoms, fuzzy or blurred vision can occur after an incident of whiplash. Some people find their vision seems a bit out of focus; others experience a complete blurring of their vision; others seem to have problems focusing after they shift their eyes from one focal point to the next. The latter occurs the most frequently when victims quickly move their eyes from one point to another. Robert C. Scaer, author of the book "The Body Bears the Burden," notes that whiplash victims complaining of eye problems typically have one or more problems identified if the condition is so burdensome that they go in for an eye examination. The most common problems, according to Scaer, are abnormal, rapid eye shifts, a delayed reaction when tracking a movement with the eyes, blurring in one eye, inappropriately using both eyes to see something that should only require the attention of one, and bringing the eyes together when items are placed close to the face.

Dizziness

• Whipping your head back and forth can be very disorienting for most people. The dizziness may occur for a moment or two after the whiplash occurs or it may be long lasting, in which case it's called post-traumatic vertigo. This term applies to any instance in which a victim experiences dizziness or vertigo for more than 3 months following a head or neck injury such as whiplash. This condition may continue for years, although approximately 75 percent of whiplash victims stop experiencing dizziness after one year, according to an article that Dr. Timothy C. Hain wrote about post-traumatic vertigo for Dizziness-and-Balance.com.

Memory Loss

• Memory loss can occur after whiplash, although it's not extremely common. This memory loss may be accompanied by irritability, or lack of concentration or focus. Experts such as Richard S. Weiner of the American Academy of Pain Management--who wrote a book about the subject--point out that this memory loss may also occur due to the emotional or psychological stress that the whiplash incident has on a person. This is because whiplash can be quite a physically traumatic experience for the body and the events associated with whiplash--such as a car accident or sports injury--can leave somebody rattled.