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Evans RW. The Postconcussion Syndrome and Posttraumatic Headaches in Civilians, Soldiers, and Athletes. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:341-373. [PMID: 38575256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic headaches are one of the most common and controversial secondary headache types. After a mild traumatic brain, an estimated 11% to 82% of people develop a postconcussion syndrome, which has been controversial for more than 160 years. Headache is estimated as present in 30% to 90% of patients after a mild head injury. Most headaches are tension-type-like or migraine-like. Headaches in civilians, soldiers, athletes, and postcraniotomy are reviewed. The treatments are the same as for the primary headaches. Persistent posttraumatic headaches can continue for many years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph W Evans
- Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1200 Binz #1370, Houston, TX 77004, USA.
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2
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Kothari SF, Eggertsen PP, Frederiksen OV, Thastum MM, Svendsen SW, Tuborgh A, Næss-Schmidt ET, Rask CU, Schröder A, Kasch H, Nielsen JF. Characterization of persistent post-traumatic headache and management strategies in adolescents and young adults following mild traumatic brain injury. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2209. [PMID: 35140235 PMCID: PMC8828894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05187-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Characteristics of persistent post-traumatic headache (PTH) in young individuals are poorly known leading to diagnostic problems and diverse management. We aimed to describe headache phenotypes and self-reported management strategies in young individuals with PTH following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A comprehensive structured questionnaire was used to evaluate headache phenotypes/characteristics and management strategies to relieve headache in 107, 15–30-year-old individuals with PTH. Around 4 months post-injury, migraine-like headache in combination with tension-type like headache (40%) was the most commonly encountered headache phenotype followed by migraine-like headache (36%). Around 50% reported aura-like symptoms before/during the headache attack. Medication-overuse headache was diagnosed in 10%. Stress, sleep disturbances, and bright lights were the most common trigger factors. More than 80% reported that their headache was worsened by work-related activity and alleviated by rest/lying down. Simple analgesics were commonly used (88%) whereas prophylactic drugs were rarely used (5%). Bedrest and physiotherapy were also commonly used as management strategies by 56% and 34% of the participants, respectively. In conclusion, most young individuals with PTH after mTBI presented with combined migraine-like and tension-type-like headache followed by migraine-like headache, only. Preventive headache medication was rarely used, while simple analgesics and bedrest were commonly used for short-term headache relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simple Futarmal Kothari
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark. .,Section of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Vennelyst Boulevard 9, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Scandinavian Center for Orofacial Neurosciences (SCON), Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | - Susanne Wulff Svendsen
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark.,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Astrid Tuborgh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Schröder
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Helge Kasch
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Regional Hospital of Viborg, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Feldbæk Nielsen
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Burrowes SAB, Rhodes CS, Meeker TJ, Greenspan JD, Gullapalli RP, Seminowicz DA. Decreased grey matter volume in mTBI patients with post-traumatic headache compared to headache-free mTBI patients and healthy controls: a longitudinal MRI study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 14:1651-1659. [PMID: 30980274 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00095-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in 1.7 million people annually and many patients go on to develop persistent disorders including post-traumatic headache (PTH). PTH is considered chronic if it continues past 3 months. In this study we aimed to identify changes in cerebral grey matter volume (GMV) associated with PTH in mild TBI patients. 50 mTBI patients (31 Non-PTH; 19 PTH) underwent MRI scans: within 10 days post-injury, 1 month, 6 months and 18 months. PTH was assessed at visit 4 by a post-TBI headache questionnaire. Healthy controls (n = 21) were scanned twice 6 months apart. Compared to non-PTH, PTH patients had decreased GMV across two large clusters described as the right anterior-parietal (p = 0.012) and left temporal-opercular (p = 0.027). Compared to healthy controls non-PTH patients had decreased GMV in the left thalamus (p = 0.047); PTH patients had decreased GMV in several extensive clusters: left temporal-opercular (p = 0.003), temporal-parietal (p = 0.041), superior frontal gyrus (p = 0.008) and right middle frontal/superior frontal gyrus (0.004) and anterior-parietal (p = 0.003). Differences between PTH and non-PTH patients were most striking at early time points. These early changes may be associated with an increased risk of PTH. Patients with these changes should be monitored for chronic PTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana A B Burrowes
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, 650 W. Baltimore Street, 8 South, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chandler Sours Rhodes
- Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy J Meeker
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, 650 W. Baltimore Street, 8 South, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Joel D Greenspan
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, 650 W. Baltimore Street, 8 South, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rao P Gullapalli
- Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David A Seminowicz
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, 650 W. Baltimore Street, 8 South, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Hubbard JE, Hodge SD. The Litigation Complexity of Posttraumatic Headaches. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021; 25:39. [PMID: 33821382 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-021-00954-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review explores the workings of the legal process in posttraumatic headache (PTH) claims by discussing representative court cases, the approaches taken by both plaintiff and defense attorneys in evaluating a client with PTH, and the role of the expert witness. This discussion also examines the question of whether or not litigation prolongs the symptoms of PTH and concussion, looking at the issues of malingering and the psychological effect of litigation. RECENT FINDINGS Litigation prolongs recovery of PTH, primarily not from malingering but rather due to the psychological mindset of the plaintiff as created by the litigation process. Just as the medical community struggles with PTH diagnosis, mechanism, and treatment, the legal system grapples with identifying valid claims for PTH. Psychological support is an important component for PTH recovery to more effectively deal with the psychological impact of litigation and the concept of perceived injustice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack E Hubbard
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,, Plymouth, MN, USA.
| | - Samuel D Hodge
- Temple University Fox School of Business and the Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Nordhaug LH, Linde M, Follestad T, Skandsen ØN, Bjarkø VV, Skandsen T, Vik A. Change in Headache Suffering and Predictors of Headache after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Population-Based, Controlled, Longitudinal Study with Twelve-Month Follow-Up. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3244-3252. [PMID: 31195890 PMCID: PMC6857461 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Headache attributed to traumatic injury to the head (HAIH) is claimed to be the most common sequela following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), but epidemiological evidence is scarce. We explored whether patients with MTBI had an increase in headache suffering following injury compared with controls. We also studied predictors of headache. The Trondheim MTBI follow-up study is a population-based, controlled, longitudinal study. We recruited patients exposed to MTBI and controls with minor orthopedic injuries from a trauma center and a municipal outpatient clinic, and community controls from the surrounding population. Information on headache was collected through questionnaires at baseline, and 3 and 12 months post-injury. We used a generalized linear mixed model to investigate the development of headache over time in the three groups, and logistic regression to identify predictors of headache. We included 378 patients exposed to MTBI, 82 trauma controls, and 83 community controls. The MTBI-group had a larger increase in odds of headache from baseline to the first 3 months post-injury than the controls, but not from baseline to 3–12 months post-injury. Predictors for acute HAIH were female sex and pathological imaging findings on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Predictors for persistent HAIH were prior MTBI, being injured under the influence of alcohol, and acute HAIH. Patients who experience HAIH during the first 3 months post-injury have a good chance to improve before 12 months post-injury. Female sex, imaging findings on CT or MRI, prior MTBI, and being injured under the influence of alcohol may predict exacerbation of headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena H Nordhaug
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mattias Linde
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Turid Follestad
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øystein Njølstad Skandsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vera Vik Bjarkø
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Division of Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Toril Skandsen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Vik
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Neurosurgery, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Niu X, Bai L, Sun Y, Wang S, Cao J, Sun C, Wang Z, Xu H, Gan S, Fan G, Huang W, Gu C, Yin B, Bai G, Xu X, Zhang M. Disruption of periaqueductal grey-default mode network functional connectivity predicts persistent post-traumatic headache in mild traumatic brain injury. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:326-332. [PMID: 30554137 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-318886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is one of the most frequent and persistent physical symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and develop in more than 50% of this population. This study aimed to investigate the periaqueductal grey (PAG)-seeded functional connectivity (FC) in patients with mTBI with acute post-traumatic headache (APTH) and further examine whether the FC can be used as a neural biomarker to identify patients developing chronic pain 3 months postinjury. METHODS 70 patients with mTBI underwent neuropsychological measurements and MRI scans within 7 days postinjury and 56 (80%) of patients were followed up at 3 months. 46 healthy controls completed the same protocol on recruitment to the study. PAG-seeded resting-state FC analysis was measured in 54 patients with mTBI with APTH, in comparison with 46 healthy volunteers. RESULTS The mTBI+APTH group presented significantly reduced PAG-seeded FC within the default mode network (DMN), compared with healthy volunteers group. The connectivity strength can also predict patients' complaints on the impact of headache on their lives. Crucially, the initial FC strength between the PAG-right precuneus as well as the PAG-right inferior parietal lobule became the important predictor to identify patients with mTBI developing persistent PTH 3 months postinjury. CONCLUSIONS Patients with mTBI+APTH exhibited significant PAG-related FC differences mainly within the DMN. These regions extended beyond traditional pain processing areas and may reflect the diminished top-down attention regulation of pain perception through antinociceptive descending modulation network. The disrupted PAG-DMN FC may be used as an early imaging biomarker to identify patients at risk of developing persistent PTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Niu
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lijun Bai
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingxiang Sun
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jieli Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chuanzhu Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuonan Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuoqiu Gan
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Geng Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenmin Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenghui Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guanghui Bai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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7
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Narrative Review of the Pathophysiology of Headaches and Photosensitivity in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion. Can J Neurol Sci 2018; 46:14-22. [PMID: 30509333 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2018.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The most common symptom of post-concussive syndrome (PCS) is post-traumatic headache (PTH) accompanied by photophobia. Post-traumatic headache is currently categorized as a secondary headache disorder with a clinical phenotype described by its main features and resembling one of the primary headache disorders: tension, migraine, migraine-like cluster. Although PTH is often treated with medication used for primary headache disorders, the underlying mechanism for PTH has yet to be elucidated. The goal of this narrative literature review is to determine the current level of knowledge of these PTHs and photophobia in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in order to guide further research and attempt to discover the underlying mechanism to both symptoms. The ultimate purpose is to better understand the pathophysiology of these symptoms in order to provide better and more targeted care to afflicted patients. A review of the literature was conducted using the databases CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed. All papers were screened for sections on pathophysiology of PTH or photophobia in mTBI patients. Our paper summarizes current hypotheses. Although the exact pathophysiology of PTH and photophobia in mTBI remains to be determined, we highlight several interesting findings and avenues for future research, including central and peripheral explanations for PTH, neuroinflammation, cortical spreading depolarization and the role of glutamate excitotoxicity. We discuss the possible neuroanatomical pathways for photophobia and hypothesize a possible common pathophysiological basis between PTH and photophobia.
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8
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Forrest RHJ, Henry JD, McGarry PJ, Marshall RN. Mild traumatic brain injury in New Zealand: factors influencing post-concussion symptom recovery time in a specialised concussion service. J Prim Health Care 2018; 10:159-166. [DOI: 10.1071/hc17071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION By 2020, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are predicted to become the third largest cause of disease burden globally; 90% of these being mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Some patients will develop post-concussion syndrome. AIM To determine whether the time between sustaining a mTBI and the initial assessment by a specialised concussion service, along with the post-concussion symptoms reported at the assessment, affected recovery time. METHODS A retrospective medical record review of clients who had completed the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) at their initial assessment and were discharged from a large metropolitan concussion service in New Zealand was undertaken over a 6-month period in 2014 (n = 107). Using correlations, General Linear Mixed-effects Models (GLMM) and linear regressions, we explored associations between factors including ethnicity, gender and accident type, along with individual RPQ symptom scores and cluster scores, with time from injury to initial assessment by the specialised concussion service and initial assessment to discharge. RESULTS Time from injury to initial assessment by a specialist concussion service was correlated with proportionally more psychological symptoms present at initial assessments (r = 0.222, P = 0.024); in particular, feeling depressed or tearful (r = 0.292, P = 0.003). Time to discharge was correlated with individual RPQ symptom proportions present at initial assessment for headaches (r = –0.238, P = 0.015), sensitivity to noise (r = 0.220, P = 0.026), feeling depressed or tearful (r = 0.193, P = 0.051) and feeling frustrated or impatient (r = 0.252, P = 0.003), along with the psychological cluster proportion (r = 0.235, P = 0.017) and the total RPQ score (r = 0.425, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Prompt diagnosis and treatment of mTBI may minimise the severity of post-concussion symptoms, especially symptoms associated with mental health and wellbeing.
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Watson DH, Drummond PD. The Role of the Trigemino Cervical Complex in Chronic Whiplash Associated Headache: A Cross Sectional Study. Headache 2016; 56:961-75. [PMID: 27091393 DOI: 10.1111/head.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate signs of central sensitization in a cohort of patients with chronic whiplash associated headache (CWAH). BACKGROUND Central sensitization is one of the mechanisms leading to chronicity of primary headache, and thus might contribute to CWAH. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of CWAH is poorly understood and whether it is simply an expression of the primary headache or has a distinct pathogenesis remains unclear. Thus, the factors involved in the genesis of CWAH require further investigation. METHODS Twenty-two patients with CWAH (20 females, 2 males; age 25-50 years, mean age 36.3 years) and 25 asymptomatic participants (13 females, 12 males; age 18-50 years, mean age 35.6 years) rated glare and light-induced discomfort in response to light from an ophthalmoscope. Hyperalgesia evoked by a pressure algometer was assessed bilaterally on the forehead, temples, occipital base, and the middle phalanx of the third finger. The number, latency, area under the curve, and recovery cycle of nociceptive blink reflexes elicited by a supraorbital electrical stimulus were also recorded. RESULTS Eight and 6 CWAH patients had migrainous and tension-type headache (TTH) profiles, respectively; the remainder had features attributable to both migraine and TTH. Patients in the whiplash group reported significantly greater light-induced pain than controls (8.48 ± .35 vs 6.66 ± .43 on a 0-10 scale; P = .001). The CWAH patients reported significantly lower pressure pain thresholds at all sites. For stimuli delivered at 20 second intervals, whiplash patients were more responsive than controls (4.8 ± .6 blinks vs 3.0 ± .6 blinks in a block of 10 stimuli; P = .036). While R2 latencies and the area under the curve for the 20 second interval trials were comparable in both groups, there was a significant reduction of the area under the curve from the first to the second of the 2-second interval trials only in controls (99 ± 8% of baseline in whiplash patients vs 68 ± 7% in controls; P = .009). The recovery cycle was comparable for both groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results corroborate previous findings of mechanical hypersensitivity and photophobia in CWAH patients. The neurophysiological data provide further evidence for hyperexcitability in central nociceptive pathways, and endorse the hypothesis that CWAH may be driven by central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean H Watson
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter D Drummond
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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11
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Brain or strain? Symptoms alone do not distinguish physiologic concussion from cervical/vestibular injury. Clin J Sport Med 2015; 25:237-42. [PMID: 25051194 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare symptoms in patients with physiologic postconcussion disorder (PCD) versus cervicogenic/vestibular PCD. We hypothesized that most symptoms would not be equivalent. In particular, we hypothesized that cognitive symptoms would be more often associated with physiologic PCD. DESIGN Retrospective review of symptom reports from patients who completed a 22-item symptom questionnaire. SETTING University-based concussion clinic. PATIENTS Convenience sample of 128 patients who had symptoms after head injury for more than 3 weeks and who had provocative treadmill exercise testing. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES Subjects were classified as either physiologic PCD (abnormal treadmill performance and a normal cervical/vestibular physical examination) or cervicogenic/vestibular PCD (CGV, normal treadmill performance, and an abnormal cervical/vestibular physical examination). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported symptoms. Univariate and multivariate methods, including t tests, tests of equivalence, a logistic regression model, k-nearest neighbor analysis, multidimensional scaling, and principle components analysis were used to see whether symptoms could distinguish PCD from CGV. RESULTS None of the statistical methods used to analyze self-reported symptoms was able to adequately distinguish patients with PCD from patients with CGV. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms after head injury, including cognitive symptoms, have traditionally been ascribed to brain injury, but they do not reliably discriminate between physiologic PCD and cervicogenic/vestibular PCD. Clinicians should consider specific testing of exercise tolerance and perform a physical examination of the cervical spine and the vestibular/ocular systems to determine the etiology of postconcussion symptoms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Symptoms after head injury, including cognitive symptoms, do not discriminate between concussion and cervical/vestibular injury.
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13
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Little DM, Cook AJ, Morissette SB, Klocek JW. Considerations for return to work following traumatic brain injury. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2015; 131:465-479. [PMID: 26563804 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-62627-1.00027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Population-based studies have demonstrated that a history positive for traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in cognitive impairment, behavioral alterations, and pain. These outcomes can and do influence occupational function, can affect others in the workplace, and raise concerns about workplace safety upon re-entry to the workplace. Risk for long-term impairment and disability can in some cases be mitigated by assessment of capabilities relative to job duties, conservative return-to-work schedules, and, in some cases, interventions to support that return. For those in occupations at high risk for brain injury, including first responders, soldiers, and construction workers, the long-term risk of brain injury as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease must and should inform increased concern for those with repeated injuries to the brain over the course of their lifetime and career. This chapter reviews the risks of TBI, considers factors that optimize functional recovery, and discusses potential interventions and factors that aid in return to the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Little
- Baylor Scott and White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA.
| | - Andrew J Cook
- Neuroscience Institute, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Sandra B Morissette
- Neuroscience Institute, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - John W Klocek
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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Abstract
Despite the growing awareness of mild traumatic brain injury in military and civilian populations, understanding of the acute and chronic effects of concussion on central nervous system structure and function is limited. Even less is understood about the underpinnings of the cardinal postconcussive symptom, post-traumatic headache (PTH). Here, we review recent advances in PTH, with special emphasis on the migraine-like phenotype, the most disabling form. Considerations for future research in PTH are discussed, including diagnostic classification, and applications with advanced neuroimaging techniques, biomarkers, and treatments.
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Barlow KM, Brooks BL, MacMaster FP, Kirton A, Seeger T, Esser M, Crawford S, Nettel-Aguirre A, Zemek R, Angelo M, Kirk V, Emery CA, Johnson D, Hill MD, Buchhalter J, Turley B, Richer L, Platt R, Hutchison J, Dewey D. A double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial of 3 and 10 mg sublingual melatonin for post-concussion syndrome in youths (PLAYGAME): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:271. [PMID: 25001947 PMCID: PMC4227124 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background By the age of sixteen, one in five children will sustain a mild traumatic brain injury also known as concussion. Our research found that one in seven school children with mild traumatic brain injury suffer post-concussion syndrome symptoms for three months or longer. Post-concussion syndrome is associated with significant disability in the child and his/her family and yet there are no evidence-based medical treatments available. Melatonin has several potential mechanisms of action that could be useful following mild traumatic brain injury, including neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study is to determine if treatment with melatonin improves post-concussion syndrome in youths following mild traumatic brain injury. Our hypothesis is that treatment of post-concussion syndrome following mild traumatic brain injury with 3 or 10 mg of sublingual melatonin for 28 days will result in a decrease in post-concussion syndrome symptoms compared with placebo. Methods/Design Ninety-nine youths with mild traumatic brain injury, aged between 13 and 18 years, who are symptomatic at 30 days post-injury will be recruited. This study will be conducted as a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled superiority trial of melatonin. Three parallel treatment groups will be examined with a 1:1:1 allocation: sublingual melatonin 3 mg, sublingual melatonin 10 mg, and sublingual placebo. Participants will receive treatment for 28 days. The primary outcome is a change on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (Parent and Youth). The secondary outcomes will include neurobehavioral function, health-related quality of life and sleep. Neurophysiological and structural markers of change, using magnetic resonance imaging techniques and transcranial magnetic stimulation, will also be investigated. Discussion Melatonin is a safe and well-tolerated agent that has many biological properties that may be useful following a traumatic brain injury. This study will determine whether it is a useful treatment for children with post-concussion syndrome. Recruitment commenced on 4 December 2014. Trial registration This trial was registered on 6 June 2013 at ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT01874847.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Barlow
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 293, Heritage Medical Research Building 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Newberg AB, Serruya M, Gepty A, Intenzo C, Lewis T, Amen D, Russell DS, Wintering N. Clinical comparison of 99mTc exametazime and 123I Ioflupane SPECT in patients with chronic mild traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87009. [PMID: 24475210 PMCID: PMC3901727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study evaluated the clinical interpretations of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using a cerebral blood flow and a dopamine transporter tracer in patients with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal was to determine how these two different scan might be used and compared to each other in this patient population. Methods and Findings Twenty-five patients with persistent symptoms after a mild TBI underwent SPECT with both 99mTc exametazime to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and 123I ioflupane to measure dopamine transporter (DAT) binding. The scans were interpreted by two expert readers blinded to any case information and were assessed for abnormal findings in comparison to 10 controls for each type of scan. Qualitative CBF scores for each cortical and subcortical region along with DAT binding scores for the striatum were compared to each other across subjects and to controls. In addition, symptoms were compared to brain scan findings. TBI patients had an average of 6 brain regions with abnormal perfusion compared to controls who had an average of 2 abnormal regions (p<0.001). Patient with headaches had lower CBF in the right frontal lobe, and higher CBF in the left parietal lobe compared to patients without headaches. Lower CBF in the right temporal lobe correlated with poorer reported physical health. Higher DAT binding was associated with more depressive symptoms and overall poorer reported mental health. There was no clear association between CBF and DAT binding in these patients. Conclusions Overall, both scans detected abnormalities in brain function, but appear to reflect different types of physiological processes associated with chronic mild TBI symptoms. Both types of scans might have distinct uses in the evaluation of chronic TBI patients depending on the clinical scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B. Newberg
- Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mijail Serruya
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrew Gepty
- Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Charles Intenzo
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Todd Lewis
- Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daniel Amen
- Amen Clinics, Inc., Newport Beach, California, United States of America
| | - David S. Russell
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nancy Wintering
- Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Kjeldgaard D, Forchhammer H, Teasdale T, Jensen RH. Chronic post-traumatic headache after mild head injury: a descriptive study. Cephalalgia 2013; 34:191-200. [PMID: 24045573 DOI: 10.1177/0333102413505236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aetiology behind chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTH) after mild head injury is unclear and management is complicated. In order to optimize treatment strategies we aimed to characterize a CPTH population. METHODS Ninety patients with CPTH and 45 patients with chronic primary headaches were enrolled from the Danish Headache Center. All patients were interviewed about demographic and headache data. They completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, SF-36 and a headache diary. RESULTS The CPTH group experienced more cognitive ( P < 0.001) and somatic symptoms ( P = 0.048) and rated their self-perceived health as more affected in terms of physical function ( P = 0.036), physical role function ( P = 0.012) and social function ( P = 0.012) than the control group. Surprisingly, 31% of the CPTH group had a score equal to or above the cut-off score for having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to the HTQ. In terms of demographics and headache, the groups were comparable except the CPTH group were more often without affiliation to the labour market ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The loss of work capacity and high levels of disability for the CPTH patients suggests directions for further research into what important factors are embedded in the patients' PTSD symptoms and might explain their prolonged illness.
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Bigler ED. Neuroimaging biomarkers in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Neuropsychol Rev 2013; 23:169-209. [PMID: 23974873 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-013-9237-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Reviewed herein are contemporary neuroimaging methods that detect abnormalities associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Despite advances in demonstrating underlying neuropathology in a subset of individuals who sustain mTBI, considerable disagreement persists in neuropsychology about mTBI outcome and metrics for evaluation. This review outlines a thesis for the select use of sensitive neuroimaging methods as potential biomarkers of brain injury recognizing that the majority of individuals who sustain an mTBI recover without neuroimaging signs or neuropsychological sequelae detected with methods currently applied. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides several measures that could serve as mTBI biomarkers including the detection of hemosiderin and white matter abnormalities, assessment of white matter integrity derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and quantitative measures that directly assess neuroanatomy. Improved prediction of neuropsychological outcomes in mTBI may be achieved with the use of targeted neuroimaging markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Bigler
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1001 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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Postconcussion Syndrome: A Physiatrist's Approach. PM R 2011; 3:S396-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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