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Posttraumatic headache
The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is a common, often severe, symptom after head injury. Despite common beliefs, PTH can persist long-term, impacting daily life and requiring comprehensive patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is a frequent consequence of head injuries.
- PTH severity is paradoxically higher after mild head trauma.
- While often temporary, PTH can become chronic or permanent in many individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and management of posttraumatic headache.
- To address the controversy surrounding the "reality" of PTH due to lack of objective findings.
- To highlight the long-term impact of PTH on patients' lives and challenge misconceptions about its resolution.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on posttraumatic headache.
- Analysis of the clinical presentation and chronicity of PTH.
- Examination of the impact of PTH on patient function and the effectiveness of current beliefs regarding its resolution.
Main Results:
- PTH is the most common symptom after head injury, often most severe after mild injuries.
- A significant number of patients experience protracted or permanent PTH, even years after legal settlements.
- Contrary to some beliefs, PTH frequently persists post-legal settlement and affects quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Posttraumatic headache is a real and often persistent condition requiring proper evaluation and treatment.
- Patient education and support are crucial for managing PTH.
- Challenging misconceptions among healthcare providers, legal professionals, and insurers is necessary for adequate patient care.