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Review
. 2022 May;26(5):357-364.
doi: 10.1007/s11916-022-01036-8. Epub 2022 Mar 1.

Postcraniotomy Headache: Etiologies and Treatments

Corina Bello  1 , Lukas Andereggen  1   2 , Markus M Luedi  3 , Christian M Beilstein  1
Affiliations
Review

Postcraniotomy Headache: Etiologies and Treatments

Corina Bello et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2022 May.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is a highly underappreciated and very common adverse event following craniotomy.

Recent findings: Analgetic medication with opioids often interferes with neurologic evaluation in the acute phase of recovery and should be kept to a minimal, in general, in the treatment of chronic pain as well. We provide an update on the latest evidence for the management of acute and chronic PCH. Especially in the neurosurgical setting, enhanced recovery after surgery protocols need to include a special focus on pain control. Patients at risk of developing chronic pain must be identified and treated as early as possible.

Keywords: Acute pain; Chronic pain; Enhanced recovery after surgery; Neurosurgery; Postcraniotomy headache.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Scematic of scalp innervation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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