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Posttraumatic headache in pediatrics: an update and review
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Insights
Posttraumatic headache (PTHA) is common in pediatric concussion. Risk factors include female sex and prior headache history, while gradual return to activity aids recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Traumatology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Headache is a frequent complication of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children.
- There is considerable concern regarding the optimal management of acute and persistent headaches after mild head injuries in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review definitions and diagnoses of posttraumatic headache (PTHA).
- To examine risk factors for persistent postconcussion symptoms and headaches.
- To summarize current recommendations for evaluating and treating PTHA in youth.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on PTHA in pediatrics.
- Analysis of risk factors for symptom persistence.
- Evaluation of current treatment efficacy and recommendations.
Main Results:
- Consistent risk factors for persistent PTHA include female sex, adolescent age, prior concussion history, and migrainous symptoms.
- Short-term ibuprofen use for acute PTHA may reduce symptoms and improve function.
- Gradual return to cognitive and physical activities is recommended over complete rest.
Conclusions:
- PTHA is a significant issue in pediatric concussion management.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for proactive management strategies.
- Evidence supports a phased return to activity and judicious use of medication for PTHA.
Purpose Of Review:
Headache following concussion and mild traumatic brain injury is very common in pediatrics. There is significant concern about appropriate management of acute and persistent headache following mild head injuries in children among affected youth, their families and care providers.
Recent Findings:
The current article will review definitions and diagnoses of posttraumatic headache (PTHA), recent research regarding risk factors for persistence of postconcussion symptoms and headaches, current recommendations for the evaluation of youth with PTHA, recent data regarding efficacy of treatment options for PTHA, and current recommendations for the treatment of acute and persistent PTHA.
Summary:
PTHA is common following concussion in pediatrics. Some of the most consistent risk factors for persistent symptoms following concussion include female sex, adolescent age, prior concussion with prolonged recovery, prior headache history and high number of acute symptoms, particularly migrainous symptoms, following concussion. There are few prospective studies of the treatment of PTHA in pediatrics; however, a recent study found that short-term use of ibuprofen for those with acute PTHA following concussion may be associated with lower risk of symptoms and better function 1 week after injury. Currently complete rest or cocooning following concussion is not recommended as it may actually be associated with longer recovery time; a gradual return to cognitive and physical activity appears to be most effective strategy but more study is needed.
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