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Pediatric Posttraumatic Headache: A Review
Meeryo C Choe1, Heidi K Blume2
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Mattel Children's Hospital, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric posttraumatic headaches are common after mild head injuries and concussions. Early recognition and management are key to preventing disability and promoting recovery in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Neurotraumatology
- Public health
Background:
- Head injuries are frequent in children, with headaches being the most common symptom after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
- The increasing focus on concussion has led to more children seeking care for headaches post-injury.
- Headaches can complicate recovery from both mild and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current definitions and epidemiology of pediatric posttraumatic headache (PTH).
- To discuss recommendations for evaluating and managing PTH in children and adolescents.
- To aid providers and families in limiting disability and prompting earlier intervention for disabling headaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current definitions, epidemiology, and management strategies for pediatric PTH.
- Analysis of factors associated with PTH development and persistence.
- Synthesis of current recommendations for clinical evaluation and treatment.
Main Results:
- PTH is a common complication of pediatric head trauma, particularly concussions.
- Understanding PTH's natural history and associated factors is crucial for effective care.
- Evidence-based guidelines for evaluation and management are still developing but essential.
Conclusions:
- Proper evaluation and management of pediatric PTH are vital for preventing further injury and promoting recovery.
- Identifying factors associated with PTH can guide early intervention strategies.
- Further research into PTH treatment is needed, but current management principles are essential.
Abstract:
Head injuries are common in pediatrics, and headaches are the most common complaint following mild head trauma. Although moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries occur less frequently, headaches can complicate recovery. There is currently an intense spotlight on concussion and there has been a corresponding increase in the number of children seeking care for headache after mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. Understanding the natural history of, and recognition of factors that are associated with posttraumatic headache will help providers and families to limit disability and may prompt earlier intervention to address disabling headaches. While there are few studies on the treatment of posttraumatic headache, proper evaluation and management of posttraumatic headaches is essential to prevent further injury and to promote recovery. In this article, we will review the current definitions and epidemiology of pediatric posttraumatic headache and discuss current recommendations for the evaluation and management of this syndrome in children and adolescents.
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