mild Traumatic Brain Injury - Afterdeployment.org

1.2.3.1 Headaches
Headaches are the most common physical symptom following a concussion. Headaches can vary
quite a bit in intensity (mild to severe) and the type of pain (dull to sharp). Medical doctors classify
headaches into several categories. If you can identify which type(s) of headaches you are
experiencing, you can be better prepared to discuss appropriate treatment with your doctor.
Type of
Headache
Migraine 4-72
hours
Posttraumatic
Tension 30min—
7 days
Cervicogenic
(cervical)
Common Types of Headaches
Duration Symptoms &
Characteristics
Pain at the forehead or temple,
sometimes with nausea, vomiting,
numbness, muscle weakness, and
sensitivity to light or sounds. Pulsating
quality. May worsen with more activity.
Often gets better with more sleep.
Varies Resembles tension headaches or atypical
migraines. Burning or tingling sensation
and pain that gets worse with touch.
Must be diagnosed by a full workup by a
doctor.
30min—
7 days
Cluster 15min—
3 hours
Analgesic
(painkiller)
Rebound
Pressure or tightening in the head
(alternate name: pressure headaches)
without a pulsating quality. Mild or moderate
intensity. Not aggravated by physical
activity. Can make sleep difficult,
usually located on both sides of the head.
Can be episodic (less than 15 times in a
month) or chronic (15 days—6 months)
Same as tension headaches above but
the pain originates in the neck and is felt
in one or more areas of the head or face.
Very severe pain often behind the eye
and on one side of the face but may move
to the other side during the course of
headache. Can cause awakening from
sleep. Can include nasal congestion and
facial sweating.
Varies Severity and location caries. Can shift,
even within a day, from migraine-like to
tension-type symptoms. Nausea, difficulty
concentrating, depression, irritability,
restlessness.
Causes
Emotional stress, physical
activity, menstrual cycle, irregular
sleep, irregular meals,
trigger foods.
TBI with any cause.
Facial or neck or whole head
pain. Triggers include worry,
stress, overwork, poor posture,
and poor ventilation.
Often the result of whiplash or
injuries to the back, neck, or
jaw that can be seen in laboratory
tests or imaging.
Injury to the head or back of
the neck or nerve damage.
Triggered by nicotine, alcohol,
overwork, stress. Rare
headache type.
Overuse of pain medications,
including over-the-counter
drugs. Can be seen when
certain medications taken > 6
times per week.
Headaches can be caused by a number of physical and emotional conditions. Muscle tension, eye
strain, dehydration, low blood sugar, and fatigue are the most common physical causes. Short and
long term emotional states (like stress and depression) can also cause headaches.
Headaches are often associated with the network of nerves and blood vessels that extend over the
scalp, face, and throat. Tightened muscles can squeeze blood vessels, which in turn prevents blood
from reaching the head. This is why relaxation techniques are so effective at relaxing the body and
allowing the blood to flow freely again.