Sections
Headaches: Introduction | Prevalence | Definitions | Pathophysiological Changes | Assessment | Natural History, Prognosis, and Complications | Treatment | Conclusion | Key Clinical Points | Recommended Readings | References
Excerpt
Posttraumatic headache (PTH) affects millions of
people annually. It is the most common presenting complaint of the
postconcussion syndrome (see Chapter 15, Mild Brain Injury). PTH
is defined as a new headache beginning after head or neck (and,
presumably, brain) injury. Headache associated with brain injury
usually is short-lived but may persist for months to years after
the event. Acute PTH generally resolves within weeks. Here the important
goals involve diagnosis of any treatable cerebral and/or
neck pathology, including cervical spine fracture and intracranial
hemorrhage. When PTH persists beyond 3 months, it is termed
chronic PTH, and pain management and psychosocial issues become
paramount. In this chapter we summarize important features of PTH
disorders, including diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.