Part I--Evaluation of pediatric post-traumatic headaches

Area of Science:

• Pediatric neurology
• Traumatology
• Headache medicine

Background:

• Pediatric brain injury is common, with post-traumatic headache a frequent sequela of mild traumatic brain injury.
• Understanding pediatric post-traumatic headaches is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of pediatric post-traumatic headaches.
• To outline an approach for evaluating and managing these headaches in children.

Main Methods:

• Expert opinion-based two-part review.
• Review of relevant literature.
• Proposed clinical algorithm for evaluation and management.

Main Results:

• Epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, and evaluation of pediatric post-traumatic headaches are discussed.
• Accurate diagnosis of headache phenotype (migraine, tension-type, etc.) is key for treatment.
• Most post-traumatic headaches are migraine or tension-type; other types include occipital neuralgia and cervicogenic headache.

Conclusions:

• Rigorous evaluation and diagnosis are vital for effective treatment of pediatric post-traumatic headaches.
• A multifaceted approach addressing contributing factors and comorbidities is necessary for optimal recovery.