Published in:
01-05-2022 | Craniotomy | Acute Pain Medicine (R Urman, Section Editor)
Postcraniotomy Headache: Etiologies and Treatments
Authors:
Corina Bello, Lukas Andereggen, Markus M. Luedi, Christian M. Beilstein
Published in:
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|
Issue 5/2022
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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.
Summary
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.