Post-traumatic headache: emphasis on chronic types following mild closed head injury.

Abstract

The syndrome known as chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTH) is controversial, particularly when it occurs following mild closed head injury or "whiplash". Problems with the diagnosis include issues related to classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology (psychogenic vs. organic) and treatment. In addition, there are cultural differences that may influence prevalence and diagnosis, as in some countries with little medico-legal recourse the disorder is virtually unknown. In this paper we review some of these controversies clinicians are left to formulate their own understanding based on available evidence and clinical experience. This is perhaps as it should be given that the best practice combines knowledge of the evidence with individual clinical experience.

• Authors: F D Sheftell, S J Tepper, C L Lay, M E Bigal
• Journal: Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (Neurol Sci) Vol. 28 Suppl 2 Pg. S203-7 (May 2007) ISSN: 1590-1874 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 17508171 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Amnesia (complications, physiopathology)
• Cultural Characteristics
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Head Injuries, Closed (complications, physiopathology)
• Headache Disorders (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Malingering (diagnosis, epidemiology, psychology)
• Prevalence
• Tension-Type Headache (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Unconsciousness (complications, physiopathology)
• Whiplash Injuries (complications, physiopathology)