Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
In Vivo Protocol of Controlled Subconcussive Head Impacts for the Validation of Field Study Data
Published on: April 18, 2019
Sport-Related Headache.
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle Sports Concussion Program, Harborview Medical Center, Box 359924, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is common after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), often presenting as migraine. Effective management of sports-related headaches requires recognizing PTH severity and treating it based on primary headache characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Headache is a prevalent symptom following sports-related concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Post-traumatic headache (PTH) incidence and prevalence are notably higher after mild TBI compared to moderate or severe TBI.
- The severity of PTH correlates with its frequency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and management of headaches occurring in a sports setting, particularly post-concussion.
- To highlight the commonality of migraine or probable migraine as the primary headache type after TBI.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing headache severity for effective treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and expert opinion synthesis regarding sports-related headaches and TBI.
- Analysis of primary and secondary headache classifications in the context of sports injuries.
- Evaluation of current management strategies for post-traumatic headache.
Main Results:
- Headaches in sports can be primary or secondary, with headache being the hallmark symptom of concussion.
- Mild TBI is associated with a higher cumulative incidence and prevalence of PTH than moderate to severe TBI.
- Migraine or probable migraine is the most frequent headache diagnosis post-TBI, irrespective of injury severity.
Conclusions:
- Management of PTH should be guided by the clinical features of primary headaches.
- Recognizing the severity of the headache is paramount for tailoring the empiric treatment approach.
- A systematic approach to diagnosing and managing sports-related headaches is essential for athlete recovery.
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