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Clinical assessment of posttraumatic headaches
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wayne State University, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Detroit 48201, USA.
The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
|February 9, 1999
Summary
Diagnosing posttraumatic headache is challenging. An ordered approach to history, physical, and lab exams, considering extracranial and intracranial sources, aids accurate diagnosis of headache causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Posttraumatic headache presents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians.
- Multiple potential causes of cephalgia exist in individuals with posttraumatic headache.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a structured diagnostic approach for posttraumatic headache.
- To differentiate between extracranial and intracranial sources of headache pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic strategies for posttraumatic headache.
- Categorization of pain etiology by anatomical site (extracranial/intracranial).
- Outline of key examination steps for evaluating headache.
Main Results:
- An ordered approach to history, physical, and laboratory examination can improve diagnostic accuracy.
- A systematic review can help identify specific causes of posttraumatic headache.
Conclusions:
- A structured, systematic evaluation is crucial for diagnosing posttraumatic headache.
- Differentiating between extracranial and intracranial sources is key to effective management.