First assessment
In the first hours and days the question is immediate danger: falling consciousness, focal signs, repeated vomiting, seizure, anticoagulation, or older age. These open an emergency imaging path. Headache alone after minor trauma, with a normal examination and no high-risk feature, can often be observed.
When headache stays
Persistent post-traumatic headache often copies migraine or tension-type patterns. Sleep change, dizziness, and poor concentration may travel with it. Treatment follows that pattern, while avoiding daily combination painkillers and opioids. Explaining that lasting pain is not always progressive damage is part of care.
These pages are written for health professionals. They do not replace a history, examination, or clinical judgment. Treatment is decided for each patient individually.