Citation

Pearson R, Levyim D, Choe M, Taraman S, Langdon R. J. Child Neurol. 2019; ePub(ePub): 883073819856837.

Affiliation

Children's National Medical Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0883073819856837

PMID

31232148

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury causes significant morbidity in youth, and headache is the most common postconcussive symptom. No established guidelines exist for pediatric post-traumatic headache management. We aimed to characterize common clinical practices of child neurologists. Of 95 practitioners who completed our survey, most evaluate <50 pediatric concussion patients per year, and 38.9% of practitioners consistently use International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria to diagnose post-traumatic headache. Most recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as abortive therapy, though timing after injury and frequency of use varies, as does the time when providers begin prophylactic medications. Amitriptyline, topiramate, and vitamins/supplements are most commonly used for prophylaxis. Approach to rest and return to activities varies; one-third recommend rest for 1 to 3 days and then progressive return, consistent with current best practice. With no established guidelines for pediatric post-traumatic headache management, it is not surprising that practices vary considerably. Further studies are needed to define the best, evidence-based management for pediatric post-traumatic headache.

Language: en

Keywords

concussion; headache; pediatric; traumatic brain injury; treatment