Post-traumatic headaches.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Headaches are a frequent complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Milder TBIs are paradoxically more likely to result in headaches.
• Headache presentation is often a mixed disorder, combining tension-type and migrainous features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the incidence and characteristics of headaches following TBI.
• To review the underlying mechanisms contributing to post-traumatic headaches.
• To outline current and potential management strategies for post-traumatic headaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on TBI and headache.
• Analysis of clinical presentations of post-traumatic headaches.
• Synthesis of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Trauma can induce headaches through altered neuronal signaling, inflammation, and musculoskeletal changes.
• Treatment is guided by headache characteristics, utilizing abortive and prophylactic pharmacologic agents.
• Non-pharmacologic interventions include physical modalities and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Conclusions:

• Post-traumatic headaches are common, particularly after mild TBI.
• Effective management requires a comprehensive approach addressing headache type and comorbidities.
• While headaches may resolve, up to 25% of patients experience chronic long-term headaches.