Delayed-onset post-traumatic headache after a motor vehicle collision: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Trauma Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Headaches are a frequent complaint following motor vehicle accidents (MVAs).
• Post-traumatic headaches often mimic primary headaches in symptoms and clinical course.
• Secondary headaches, though less common, necessitate consideration, especially if symptoms escalate after trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of thorough evaluation for headaches post-MVA.
• To underscore the potential for serious underlying conditions, such as subdural hematomas.
• To emphasize timely diagnosis and management of post-traumatic headaches.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a patient with a post-traumatic subdural hematoma.
• Detailed examination of clinical presentation, including initial symptoms and progression.
• Discussion of diagnostic challenges and management strategies for post-MVA headaches.

Main Results:

• The case illustrates a patient whose initial MVA symptoms of neck pain, back pain, and headache progressed.
• Neurological deficits emerged one month post-MVA, indicating a worsening condition.
• Clinical examination alone proved insufficient for diagnosing the secondary headache cause.

Conclusions:

• Primary care providers must recognize diverse headache etiologies after MVAs.
• Persistent or progressive headaches warrant aggressive investigation to identify the underlying cause.
• Prompt emergency department referral is crucial when secondary headaches are suspected.