How do you know if its a migraine or a concussion?

Characteristics: Following a concussion, you can develop a headache that resembles a migraine headache. Pain tends to be in the front of the head area of your forehead or temple. It is commonly described as a ‘pounding’ or ‘throbbing’ pain. It is sometimes associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

Can concussions cause ocular migraines?

Following a TBI, the ocular muscles will need to exert extra effort to compensate for trauma to the visual system. This additional effort can lead to eye strain. and cause pain in the temples and forehead similar to —and often mistaken for— a tension headache or migraine.

How can you tell if you have a concussion in your eye?

Vision or eye disturbances, such as pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes. Ringing in the ears that doesn’t go away. Weakness in the arms or legs. Appearing very pale for longer than an hour.

What are the symptoms of post concussion syndrome?

Persistent post-concussive symptoms include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Loss of concentration and memory.
• Ringing in the ears.

How long can post traumatic headaches last?

According to ICHD, post-traumatic headaches are of “no typical characteristics.” They must also occur within seven days of injury or regaining consciousness after injury. Acute headaches last less than three months. Headaches that persist for three months or more are chronic.

Why do ocular migraines occur?

Ocular migraines are caused by reduced blood flow or spasms of blood vessels in the retina or behind the eye. In an ocular migraine, vision in the affected eye generally returns to normal within an hour. Ocular migraines can be painless or they can occur along with (or following) a migraine headache.

Can head trauma cause eye problems?

The most common vision problems related to head injuries include blurred vision, double vision and decreased peripheral vision. Patients can also experience a complete loss of sight in one or both eyes depending on the severity of the injury.

What do post-traumatic headaches feel like?

Symptoms of post-traumatic headache can include sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, insomnia, poor concentration, fatigue and personality changes like depression or nervousness. The headache might also have a pulsating quality that worsens with activity.

Why do I get migraines after a concussion?

Headaches and migraines are one of the most common complaints following a concussion or TBI (traumatic brain injury). In fact, migraines are a common symptom even five years after concussions. Migraines are debilitating and often affect schoolwork, sports, work, and family dynamics.

Can a traumatic brain injury cause a migraine?

Although it is less frequent than migraine without aura in the general population, experts have shown that it may be the most likely headache disorder following sports-related traumatic brain injuries, occurring for approximately 45% of patients. This compares with about one in four who go on to develop chronic but non-aura migraine. 11

What happens to your head when you have a concussion?

There are three main types of migraines associated with concussions — common migraines (without auras), classic migraines (with auras), and vestibular migraines. Vestibular migraines are often associated with dizziness, vertigo, difficulties with balance, and can also be seen with neck pain and feelings of pressure in the head or in the ear.

What is the role of ophthalmology after a concussion?

But vision has largely been neglected as one of the key areas to assess following concussion, said Steven L. Galetta, MD, also at NYU School of Medi­cine. “We need ophthalmology’s involvement.”