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Post-traumatic Headache: Pharmacologic Management and Targeting CGRP Signaling
Håkan Ashina1,2, David W Dodick3
1Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|February 9, 2022
Summary
Post-traumatic headache management relies on expert opinion due to limited trials. Targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) shows promise for preventing chronic post-traumatic headache.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a frequent consequence of head and/or neck injuries.
- Current pharmacologic management of PTH is guided by expert opinion due to a lack of controlled trials.
- A phenotype-guided approach, matching treatment to the primary headache type (e.g., migraine, tension-type), is currently recommended.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current pharmacologic management strategies for post-traumatic headache.
- To explore the potential of targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling for PTH treatment.
- To address unmet needs in the therapeutic landscape of post-traumatic headache.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and expert consensus on PTH pharmacologic management.
- Exploration of emerging research on molecular drivers of headache persistence.
- Focus on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a therapeutic target.
Main Results:
- Limited controlled trial data necessitates reliance on expert opinion for PTH treatment.
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been identified as a key molecular target.
- Early pharmacologic intervention may be crucial in preventing headache chronification.
Conclusions:
- Targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling presents a promising avenue for novel PTH therapies.
- Early initiation of treatment for post-traumatic headache could prevent long-term persistence and chronification.
- Further research is needed to validate targeted therapies and refine management strategies.
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