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Posttraumatic headache: a review
Tad D Seifert1, Randolph W Evans
1Norton Neuroscience Institute, Suburban Medical Plaza II, Louisville, KY 40207, USA. tad.seifert@nortonhealthcare.org
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|June 4, 2010
Summary
Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is a controversial disorder following head trauma, often linked to postconcussion syndrome (PCS). Managing PTH presents challenges for physicians due to its complexity and associated medicolegal issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Postconcussion syndrome (PCS) and posttraumatic headache (PTH) have been controversial since the 19th century.
- Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is a common secondary headache type following head trauma.
- PTH is a significant public health concern due to disability and treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the controversies and clinical aspects of postconcussion syndrome (PCS).
- To discuss posttraumatic headache (PTH), its relationship to PCS, and treatment difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and current research on PCS and PTH.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes for PTH.
Main Results:
- PTH is a complex disorder, often co-occurring with other PCS symptoms like cognitive and behavioral issues.
- Chronic PTH, especially after mild head injury, remains particularly controversial and difficult to manage.
- Increased attention on sports-related and combat-related head injuries has raised awareness but not simplified treatment.
Conclusions:
- Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is a challenging clinical entity with significant patient disability.
- The medicolegal context often complicates the management of PTH.
- Further research and standardized treatment protocols are needed for effective PTH management.
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