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Published on: February 7, 2025
Pediatric Posttraumatic Headache
Joanne Kacperski1, Ryan Hung2, Heidi K Blume3
1Cincinnati Children Hospital Medicine Center, Cincinnati, OH.
Insights
Posttraumatic headache is common after pediatric concussion. Prompt management of acute and persistent headaches is crucial for recovery and function in children with mild traumatic brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Traumatic brain injury research
- Headache medicine
Background:
- Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequent in children.
- Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is the most common symptom following pediatric concussion.
- While most children recover within 1-2 weeks, some experience persistent symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review definitions, epidemiology, and current management strategies for PTH in children.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for evaluating and treating acute and persistent PTH.
- To improve clinical care for pediatric concussion and mild TBI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and clinical guidelines.
- Synthesis of current evidence on PTH in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for acute and persistent PTH.
Main Results:
- PTH is a prevalent issue in pediatric concussion and mild TBI.
- Effective management of both acute and persistent PTH is vital for optimal outcomes.
- Current understanding and treatment strategies are evolving.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate management of PTH can expedite recovery and minimize disability in pediatric patients.
- Further research is needed to fully understand concussion and optimize treatment strategies.
- This review aims to guide healthcare providers in managing pediatric PTH.
Abstract:
Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury are common injuries in pediatrics, and posttraumatic headache is the most common complaint following them. Although most children and teens recover from a simple, isolated concussion without incidents within 1-2 weeks, some develop symptoms that can last for months. It is important to manage both acute and persistent posttraumatic headaches appropriately to speed recovery, minimize disability, and maximize function. In this article, we review the definitions, epidemiology, and current recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of acute and persistent posttraumatic headaches. Although this is still a developing field and there is much that we still need to learn about concussion and the best strategies to prevent and treat these injuries and their sequelae, we hope that this review will help providers to understand the current evidence and treatment recommendations to improve care for children with concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
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