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Post-traumatic Headaches After Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Clinical Approaches

  • Brain Injury Medicine and Rehabilitation (G Galang, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date literature on post-traumatic headache (PTH) and define a clear nomenclature for variable clinical presentations. This review discusses an evidence-based approach to the prognostication and treatment of PTH, which are further described in two clinical cases.

Recent Findings

As significant morbidity is associated with PTH, recent literature has focused on improved identification. Accurate diagnosis has led to targeted treatment that incorporates a multi-modal approach including pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions.

Summary

A detailed history and physical exam are key in recognizing the presenting phenotype of this secondary headache, which may be migrainous, tension-type, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, cervicogenic, or another PTH classification. Clinicians should clearly define the headache phenotype to provide effective management with a multi-modal approach targeting the namesake primary headache. This is crucial for successful recovery. Further research is needed to establish best practice guidelines for prognosis, as presentation, treatment and outcomes continue to vary.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1400 Locust Street, Building E Room 11522,, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA

    Kuntal Chowdhary

  2. Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1400 Locust Street, Building E Room 11522, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA

    Nabela Enam

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  1. Kuntal Chowdhary
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Correspondence to Nabela Enam.

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Chowdhary, K., Enam, N. Post-traumatic Headaches After Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Clinical Approaches. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 9, 100–107 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-021-00314-7

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