Chapter 46 - Headache attributed to head or neck trauma

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of all types of posttraumatic headache (PTH): acute PTH, chronic PTH, and headache after a whiplash injury, taking account of the definition and latest criteria of International Headache Classification II (ICHD-II). Headache is a symptom that may occur after injury to the head, neck, or brain. PTH is a cardinal symptom of the “postconcussion syndrome” and may be accompanied by somatic, psychological, or cognitive disturbances. PTH is always a new-onset headache resulting from brain, head, and sometimes neck injury, and can simulate the clinical characteristics of several primary headaches. Severe, moderate, and mild head injuries can cause PTH. It is easy to establish the relationship between a headache and the trauma when it starts immediately or in the initial days after head or neck trauma. The pathogenesis of chronic symptoms is not known: neurological, psychological, and legal factors are involved. PTH and headache attributed to whiplash may be treated early or associated complications will appear (daily occurrence of headache, overuse of analgesic medication, and comorbid psychiatric disorders). Preventive and symptomatic treatments may be prescribed in relation to clinical patterns of headache (tension-type, migraine, cluster, or cervicogenic headaches), as a primary headache. Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and resolution of litigation can be contributing factors for recovery.