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07-05-2024 | Central Nervous System Trauma | New and Emerging Therapies in Interventional Pain Medicine (J Hasoon, Section Editor)

Can Long-Term Outcomes of Posttraumatic Headache be Predicted?

Authors: Olivia Kingsford, Mustafa Yehya, Glynnis Zieman, Kerry L. Knievel

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Headache is one of the most common symptoms of traumatic brain injury, and it is more common in patients with mild, rather than moderate or severe, traumatic brain injury. Posttraumatic headache can be the most persistent symptom of traumatic brain injury. In this article, we review the current understanding of posttraumatic headache, summarize the current knowledge of its pathophysiology and treatment, and review the research regarding predictors of long-term outcomes.

Recent Findings

To date, posttraumatic headache has been treated based on the semiology of the primary headache disorder that it most resembles, but the pathophysiology is likely to be different, and the long-term prognosis differs as well. No models exist to predict long-term outcomes, and few studies have highlighted risk factors for the development of acute and persistent posttraumatic headaches. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and identify specific treatments for posttraumatic headache to be able to predict long-term outcomes. In addition, the effect of managing comorbid traumatic brain injury symptoms on posttraumatic headache management should be further studied.

Summary

Posttraumatic headache can be a persistent symptom of traumatic brain injury, especially mild traumatic brain injury. It has traditionally been treated based on the semiology of the primary headache disorder it most closely resembles, but further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of posttraumatic headache and determine risk factors to better predict long-term outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Can Long-Term Outcomes of Posttraumatic Headache be Predicted?
Authors
Olivia Kingsford
Mustafa Yehya
Glynnis Zieman
Kerry L. Knievel
Publication date
07-05-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-024-01254-2