Motor vehicle accidents can cause painful, debilitating injuries, and Ontario law states accident victims should get compensated for rehab costs plus pain and suffering. But did you know if you suffer from migraines after an accident, you can seek compensation for the emotional impacts of that chronic pain?
Here’s some useful information about migraine headaches and their potential impact on your mental health.
POST-ACCIDENT HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
You may think the headache you're feeling after a car crash is a minor nuisance and be tempted to simply tough it out. But migraines and chronic pain can linger long after an accident and can significantly affect your emotional well-being. A 2020 study revealed that people who suffered migraines reported poor mental health at twice the rate of unafflicted people. Here are some of the most common ways migraine headaches affect patients’ mental health:
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
According to the American Migraine Foundation, people with migraine headaches develop depression five times more frequently than those without migraines. Another study revealed that migraine sufferers are 25 times more likely to experience daily episodes of nervousness or anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety associated with migraines may include feelings of unease, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. In some cases, anxiety can also trigger or worsen migraine headaches, ensnaring the sufferer in a complex cycle.
ISOLATION
The recent pandemic has made people more aware of the negative mental health impacts of social isolation. However, healthcare experts have long known that migraine pain can cause sufferers to withdraw from social interactions for fear of exacerbating their symptoms or by leaving events early. Even when they engage in social activities, they can experience a sense of isolation due to their pain.
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
Studies have revealed that people with migraine headaches tend to experience higher levels of suicidal ideation. Migraine headaches are also a risk factor for suicide attempts. If you experience any type of suicidal thought, migraine-induced or otherwise, seek help immediately. Don't assume your migraines will disappear on their own after an accident. Seek prompt medical attention and document all your physical and emotional symptoms. Keep a journal to record details about how your routines and quality of life have changed since the incident. Talk to a car accident lawyer about your eligibility to claim damages for emotional and psychological injury.
WE SPECIALIZE IN HELPING CAR ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN SAULT STE. MARIE
If you've been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in and around Sault Ste. Marie, you can rely on the personal injury lawyers at Feifel Gualazzi to represent your best interests. We know the regional court system, and we know what it's like to drive here in northern Ontario. We believe you deserve fair compensation for your physical injuries and all mental health impacts arising from your accident. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation.