Headache, Posttraumatic

A variety of nonspecific symptoms may follow closed head injury, regardless of whether consciousness is lost

Onset and course of headache

• Usually appears within a day or so following injury

• May worsen over the ensuing weeks

• Gradually subsides

Duration of symptoms

• Relates in part to the severity of the original injury

• However, even mild injuries may be followed by symptoms that persist for months

Usually a constant dull ache, with superimposed throbbing that may be localized, lateralized, or generalized

Sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or scintillating scotomas

Special investigations are usually not helpful

Electroencephalogram may show minor nonspecific changes

Electronystagmogram sometimes suggests either peripheral or central vestibulopathy

CT scans or MRI of the head usually are normal

Headaches often respond to simple analgesics

Severe headaches may necessitate preventive treatment as outlined for migraine