Post-Traumatic Headache - Diagnosis & Treatment

How is a post-traumatic headache diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a post-traumatic headache typically involves:

Discussing the details of the head injury and symptom review with your healthcare provider.
Physical and neurological examination to assess for any neurological deficits or signs of injury.
Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI to rule out structural damage or other underlying conditions.
Keeping a headache diary to track the frequency, duration, and triggers of headaches can help in diagnosis and management.

Treatment for post-traumatic headaches focuses on both acute pain relief and preventive treatment. These may include any of the following:

Medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) or prescription medications (e.g., amitriptyline or triptans for migraine-like headaches) may be used.
Physical therapy to address neck and shoulder tension that may contribute to headaches.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help manage pain and associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques.

Symptoms & Causes

This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

Speak to a GP