Posttraumatic Headache: Clinical Characterization and Management

Abstract

Headache is the most common symptom after traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI has become a global health concern with an estimated 2.5 million reported TBIs per year in the USA alone. Recent longitudinal studies of posttraumatic headache (PTH) show a high cumulative incidence of 71 % after moderate or severe TBI and an even higher cumulative incidence of 91 % after mild TBI (mTBI) at 1 year after injury. Prevalence remains high at over 44 % throughout the year after moderate or severe TBI and over 54 % after mTBI. A prior history of headache is associated with a higher risk for PTH, whereas older age appears to be protective. Gender does not appear to be a risk factor for PTH. Most PTH has clinical diagnostic criteria meeting that of migraine or probable migraine when primary headache disorder classification criteria are used, followed by tension-type headache. There are no evidence-based treatment guidelines for PTH management; however, expert opinion has suggested treating the PTH using primary headache disorder treatment recommendations according to its type.