Post-traumatic Headache in Children and Adolescents
Elizabeth Doll1, Paul Gong2, Michael Sowell1
1Department of Neurology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 500 S Preston St, 113-a HSC, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
Insights
Post-traumatic headache in children and adolescents is increasingly understood. Research highlights risk factors, unique pathophysiological changes, and evolving treatments, including monoclonal antibodies to CGRP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a prevalent condition in children and adolescents.
- It is managed by both pediatric neurologists and general practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, neuroimaging, and treatment options for PTH in pediatric populations.
- To synthesize current understanding and emerging research in pediatric PTH.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of recent literature on pediatric post-traumatic headache.
- Analysis of studies focusing on risk factors, neuroimaging, neurometabolic pathways, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Identified specific risk factors and unique pathophysiological changes in pediatric PTH.
- Highlighted common and novel treatment options, including monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP.
- Emphasized gradual return to activity based on symptom stability.
Conclusions:
- Growing understanding of pediatric PTH factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate all aspects of pediatric PTH.
Purpose Of Review:
Post-traumatic headache is a common disorder in the pediatric age group, seen both by child neurologists and by non-neurologists. The current review of post-traumatic headache in children and adolescents aims to review the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, neuroimaging, and both acute and preventive treatment options.
Recent Findings:
Recent literature provides insight into specific risk factors in the pediatric age group for developing post-traumatic headache as well as unique pathophysiologic changes seen in neuroimaging and neurometabolic pathways. It also elucidates common treatment options and novel treatments being currently explored, such as with monoclonal antibodies to CGRP. Finally, current evidence and guidelines recommend the benefit of a gradual return to normal activity based on symptom stability rather than a specific time period. Review of literature on pediatric post-traumatic headache reveals a growing understanding of the factors involved in developing headache after head trauma and the diagnosis/treatment of headache though future research will help further elucidate these areas.
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