Characteristics of posttraumatic headache following mild traumatic brain injury in military personnel in Iran

Abstract

Posttraumatic headache attributed to mild brain injury is a common disorder in military personnel. Migrainous features are predominant among them in comparison with the general population. PTH is not related to a type of trauma, but has association with affective disorders.

Neuropsychiatric Predictors of Post‐Injury Headache After Mild‐Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans

“…While this study cannot determine how etiological processes ultimately culminate in the co‐occurrence of headache and mental health symptoms, it is possible that experiencing headache pain following TBI may increase psychological symptoms due to associated functional impairments (eg, increased depression in response to difficulty in maintaining work or social functioning) or cognitive factors (eg, headache serves as a reminder of the injury or traumatic event). Alternatively, psychopathology symptoms existing prior to or soon after head injury may be predisposing vulnerability factors for headache development following TBI . This vulnerability could be conferred by symptoms that are inherent in psychological disorders and also maladaptive in pain management (eg, inactivity, muscle tension).…”

“…Alternatively, psychopathology symptoms existing prior to or soon after head injury may be predisposing vulnerability factors for headache development following TBI. 19 This vulnerability could be conferred by symptoms that are inherent in psychological disorders and also maladaptive in pain management (eg, inactivity, muscle tension 56 ). Shared vulnerabilities at the biological (eg, genetic 55 ) or psychological (eg, anxiety and injury/illness sensitivity 57 ) level could also account for observed relationships.…”

“…While the association of PTH with injury characteristics is debatable, several studies have shown that psychological and behavioral health symptoms contribute to the clinical presentation of headache after mmTBI. Higher rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression have been observed in military personnel with both mild TBI and PTH compared to those with mild TBI and no PTH (see also ref. for similar data in civilians).…”

Symptoms of Autonomic Dysfunction Among Those With Persistent Posttraumatic Headache Attributed to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparison to Migraine and Healthy Controls

“…PTH is considered persistent if it lasts longer than 3 months . Migraine is the phenotype observed in the majority of individuals with PTH . Investigations into mechanisms of PTH have used brain imaging, measurement of pain modulatory systems and cranial sensitization with thermal and pressure stimulation, and animal models .…”

“…1 Migraine is the phenotype observed in the majority of individuals with PTH. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Investigations into mechanisms of PTH have used brain imaging, [9][10][11] measurement of pain modulatory systems and cranial sensitization with thermal and pressure stimulation, 12 and animal models. [13][14][15] At present, it is unknown if PTH is a unique headache type with separate pathophysiology and clinical features from migraine and there have been few studies investigating this possibility.…”