How to treat post-traumatic headaches

Headaches are one of the most common and most persistent symptoms following a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI.)

Studies have shown that anywhere from 30-90% of individuals who sustain a mTBI develop headaches following their injury. Interestingly, several researchers have reported that headaches are more common following a mTBI or a concussion than a severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

People who experience post-traumatic headaches can also experience other symptoms such as dizziness, blurring of vision, ringing in the ears, depression, anxiety, disturbance in sleep and libido. Mental functioning, including difficulties with memory or focusing and concentrating, can also be affected.

Post-traumatic headaches: when to consult

Headaches following a brain injury are associated with a high degree of disability. New research has shown that post-traumatic headaches are more chronic and persistent than previously believed.

According to the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation Guidelines, while the vast majority of people with post-traumatic headaches show improvement within days or weeks, some individuals experience intermittent headaches that can last for a period of several months or even years.

Unfortunately, managing and treating persistent post-traumatic headaches is often difficult. There is a paucity of research in this area and no evidence-based treatment guidelines are available to facilitate treatment. As a result, post-traumatic headaches should not be treated as an isolated condition.

If you’re experiencing post-traumatic headaches, you should definitely consult a healthcare professional, as clinical experience and expert opinion can greatly help you manage symptoms. It can also be helpful to educate family, friends and your employer or teacher to let them know that your headaches may be related to an injury that has affected the structure and chemical functions of your brain.

How to treat post-traumatic headaches

The first step to properly manage post-traumatic headaches is to try to identify which type of headache is causing problems or what its source might be. Some possibilities:

• Migraine
• Tension type
• Medication overuse (rebound)
• Occipital neuralgia (A headache that starts in the upper neck or back of the head and can spread behind the eyes, forehead and up to the scalp).
• Cervicogenic (Chronic headaches that arise from the upper cervical joints and is experienced in one or more regions of the head or face)

Next, your healthcare professional will look at a number of different factors that may be causing issues. Is your sleep schedule appropriate? How’s your sleep hygiene? Do you eat regular meals? Do you hydrate regularly? Do you get enough exercise?

Medication or supplements such as Magnesium Glycinate, Citrate or Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) can also be considered. In some cases, physiotherapy, massage therapy, environmental or behavioral modifications or psychological support can also be beneficial. Lastly, relaxation or meditation techniques can have positive effects.

Why clinical experience is so important

When it comes to post-traumatic headaches, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why clinical experience plays an important role in diagnosing the problem correctly and giving you access to the resources you need.

If you’re struggling with headaches, don’t wait, Check out our Locations page to schedule an appointment at a Lifemark clinic near you or book online.