Headaches are the most common condition that occurs after any brain injury. Surprisingly, they are more common with mild concussion brain injuries. That makes sense, you hit your head, you’re going to get a headache, right? This headache condition is referred to as post-traumatic headaches (PTH).
Post- Traumatic Headaches account for:
- 4% of all symptomatic headache disorders.
- 91% of patients with a brain injury develop new or worsening headaches within 1 year of injury
- 40% of patients that report a headache immediately after brain injury develop a persistent headache.
- 25% of patients report long term struggles with headaches.
Most Common Causes of Post-Traumatic Headaches:
- 5-7% violence
- 3-18% sports
- 24-45% Falls
- 24-58% Motor vehicle accidents
Note: Younger age, female gender patients, and rear-end collision accidents have been shown to have an increased risk for PTH.
Post-Traumatic Headaches can be Acute –lasting less than 3 months or Chronic –lasting more than 3 months.
Symptoms that accompany Post-Traumatic Headaches:
- Anxiety or Depression
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea – Vomiting
- Mood or Personality changes
-
Studies show that 30% of all PTH patients meet the criteria for PTSD
Important Universal Steps to Healing Brain Trauma:
All of this is to say that symptoms of traumatic brain injury are not always visible to the nake eye. Here is a quick list of what to do to support your brain’s healing after a car accident, fall or another physical trauma.
- Consult your physician for an evaluation. Especially if you have headaches. They can be a red flag for more serious problems.
- Sleep, sleep, sleep
- Remove anything that can contribute to inflammation including alcohol and nicotine
- Anti-inflammatory like Fish Oil
- Antioxidant support like Resveratrol
Did you find this helpful? Do you want to know more about brain trauma, symptoms, treatment and support? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for my weekly Brain Health Conditions and Treatment posts.
PMID: 25701908, 31527806, 24976746, 31359173
Siefert, MD T. Sports-Concussion and associated Post-Traumatic Headache. HomeCEU Connection. November 2019.