PTH is the most frequently reported complaint following atraumatic brain injury(TBI).
The symptoms of PTH vary widely, though most people experience eithermigraineortension headachetype symptoms.
This condition is potentially disablingespecially when chronic.
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Though this condition can take many forms, most people experience symptoms similar to either migraines or tension headaches.
These are two types ofprimary headache disorders, headaches that arise in absence of other medical conditions.
Chronic PTH
A case of PTH is considered chronic if symptoms persist and/or recur for over three months.
Cases that resolve within this time are considered acute.
Causes
Most post-traumatic headaches are the direct result of traumatic brain injuries.
These can range in severity frommild TBIs (concussions)to much more severe cases.
Acute Medications
There are two types of medications for headache disorders: acute and preventive.
Acute medications manage pain and other symptoms after PTH has set on.
Chronic headache sufferers are also prone to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Counseling can prove critical in taking on these issues.
With that information, users can begin to sense issues arising and work to prevent them.
Patients can learn relaxation strategies, such as breathing exercises, through these techniques.
This has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
While many cases resolve within three months, chronic cases prove particularly challenging.
This is why psychiatric evaluation and therapy are often important aspects of treatment for PTH.
But what else can you do to cope with this difficult condition?
Treatments for this condition involve everything from medications to lifestyle adjustments to biofeedback and relaxation techniques.
More difficult cases may require transcranial stimulation or decompression surgery.
This is often done with guidance from a neurologist and/or physical therapist.
Its hard to live with unpredictable pain.
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