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Headaches Due To Post-Traumatic Injuries or Concussions
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Head or neck injuries of various severities can occur with or without a Concussion(P) (loss of consciousness associated with Head Injury). They can produce a range of problems, including Headaches, Dizziness, and Confusion, which result from damage to the brain and its surrounding structures.
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Some patients may have long-term problems long after the acute injury and develop a post-Concussion(P) syndrome. This includes cognitive dysfunction (i.e. memory disturbance and impaired concentration) and personality change, and may include problems with sleeping, Irritability, fatigue(N), and anxiety. These symptoms may last for months after the injury.
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A Concussion(P) results from a rapid, uncontrolled head motion or a blow to the head from a high-speed motor vehicle Accident, a fall, a strike by a moving object, or an assault.
A Headache occurs when nociceptors, or pain(N) sensing nerve endings, are triggered by Stress, muscular tension, or the dilation of blood vessels. The areas of the head that contain nociceptors are the scalp, face, mouth, throat, muscles of the head, and blood vessels at the base of the brain. The bones of the skull and tissues of the brain do not contain nociceptors.
Nociceptors transmit a message to the deep structures of the brain, which receives the signal and detects where the pain(N) has originated. Involved in this pathway of signal transmission are many chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which include epinephrine, serotonin histamine, dopamine, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Glutamate, beta-endorphin, enkephalin, substance P, bradykinin, neuropeptide Y acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and others. Many scientists believe that most Headaches occur due to the alteration in levels and functioning of these chemicals.
A physician with a history of treating Accident victims and performing neurologic examinations is able to diagnose a Concussion(P). A simple skull X-Ray, Brain CT scan, or MRI scan can be helpful.
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Close observation is important for the first 24-hours to monitor changes in symptoms that may indicate a complicated hemorrhage, which usually requires surgery. Surgery is usually not necessary for an uncomplicated Concussion(P).
Rest and inactivity are recommended. Activities may be restricted based on the length of unconsciousness and the patient's history of prior injuries.
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Most patients with simple Concussion(P)s have a full recovery(N), although the post-Concussion(P) syndrome can persist for weeks. The recovery(N) period is related to the severity of Concussion(P). If the patient has a history of head injuries, symptoms usually last longer and should be considered more seriously.
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