What You Need to Know About Post-Traumatic Headaches After a Concussion
- Jimmy Pang
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Article by: Jimmy Pang, PT, DPT (Pang Physical Therapy)
After a concussion, many people notice headaches that feel different, stronger, or longer-lasting. Many patients wonder if their symptoms are just stress or if they are overreacting. In reality, this could be something called post-traumatic headache.
Most people are unfamiliar with it until they experience it — which is exactly why awareness matters. These headaches aren’t “just a migraine.” They can be disruptive, affect daily life, and without the right support, they often linger.
A common question is how to know if the symptoms are actually post-traumatic headache. That will be addressed in this article, which explores what post-traumatic migraines are, why they happen after concussion, and how treatment looks at multiple systems to help recovery.
For now, the key point is that headaches following a concussion should be taken seriously. Simply recognizing and questioning the symptoms is already an important first step.
Why Post-Traumatic Headaches Aren’t Just Another Headache
Patients often ask, “What exactly is a post-traumatic headache, and how is it different from a regular headache?”
A post-traumatic headache is one that develops after a concussion or head injury. On the surface, it can feel similar to a typical migraine attack — intense head pain, sensitivity to light or sound, even nausea. Some present like tension-type headache. But what makes it different is the timing and the trigger.
For many people:
Headaches, with tension-like or migraine like symptoms, start for the first time after a concussion.
If you had migraine attacks before, a concussion can make them more frequent or severe.
Unlike a typical stress or dehydration headache, these migraines are tied directly to changes in the brain after injury.
That’s why they’re not “just another headache.” They follow their own patterns, and they need to be recognized for what they are.
The important thing to remember is this: once the condition is understood, it becomes possible to explore why these migraines happen and how to manage them effectively.
That’s exactly what we’ll get into next.
Why Post-Traumatic Migraines Happen After Concussion
The truth is, post-traumatic migraines after a concussion rarely happen for just one reason. A concussion can disrupt multiple systems in the body, which in turn can trigger migraine symptoms.
Here’s what that means:
Neurological changes – after injury, the brain’s communication pathways can become more sensitive, almost like the volume knob has been turned up too high.
Vascular changes – blood flow regulation in the brain may not work the same, and that can trigger migraines.
Vestibular issues – when the inner ear and balance system are affected (including conditions such as labyrinthine concussion), dizziness and headaches often come together.
Cervical factors – even the neck’s role after concussion can add to the problem.
So no, it’s not “just one thing” causing the pain. For some people, neurological factors dominate. For others, it’s vestibular or neck-related. That’s why every person’s experience can feel so different.
And this complexity is also why treatment has to go beyond a quick fix. Next, we’ll talk about how we look at these different systems together to build the right plan forward.
How to Treat Post-Traumatic Migraines After Concussion
This raises the question: if post-traumatic migraines come from different systems, what can be done about them?
The answer is: treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Medication can help some people, but real progress usually means looking deeper — figuring out which systems are driving your symptoms and addressing those directly.
Treatment can involve approaches such as:
Vestibular rehab – retraining balance and reducing dizziness that often fuels headaches.
Visual therapy – helping the eyes and brain coordinate better after injury.
Cervical care – focusing on the neck, which frequently adds tension and pain.
Lifestyle adjustments – sleep, hydration, pacing activity, and managing daily stressors.
At first glance, that might sound like a lot. The good news is, patients don’t have to tackle everything at once.
Treatment typically begins with the areas most relevant to a patient’s symptoms, and when the right systems are addressed, meaningful change is often noticed.
That’s why a comprehensive approach matters. This leads into what recovery actually looks like — what to expect, and how progress typically unfolds.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Post-Concussion Migraines?
Many patients wonder what recovery will look like and how long it might take.
The truth is, recovery looks different for everyone. Some people notice progress within weeks, others need more time. It all depends on which systems are involved and how the body responds.
It’s not a quick fix — it’s a process. But when the right areas are addressed, people almost always see real improvement. The key is setting realistic expectations.
Here are a few important points clinicians emphasize:
Recovery takes time – the brain and nervous system don’t heal overnight.
Consistency matters – sticking with the plan, even when progress feels slow, pays off.
Every step counts – small improvements like better sleep or fewer dizzy spells mean you’re moving in the right direction.
Know when to seek help – worsening headaches, unstable balance, or daily disruption are signals to get evaluated.
The key takeaway is that patients are not expected to figure this out alone.
Readers can explore the topic further — and learn more about support and care options — through the link in the ‘About the Author’ section at the bottom of this post.
Dr. Jimmy Pang, PT/DPT, ITPT, CSRS, CCRT, AIB-VRC, is a physical therapist specializing in vestibular and neurologic care, with a focus on concussions, vestibular disorders, and headaches. Drawing from both clinical expertise and his own journey through chronic pain, he provides compassionate, patient-centered care.
Learn more at Pang Physical Therapy.
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