Citation

Seifert TD. Headache 2013; 53(5): 726-736.

Affiliation

Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Sports Health, Louisville, KY, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Headache Society; American Association for the Study of Headache, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/head.12087

PMID

23593938

Abstract

Despite an incidence of approximately 3.8 million sports-related concussions per year, the pathophysiological basis of this injury remains poorly understood. Associated post-traumatic headache, both acute and chronic, can also provide a unique treatment challenge for medical personnel. The presence of new onset or persistent headache following injury often complicates return to play decisions. It is also now evident that recurrent head trauma may be associated with the development of some chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Although anecdotal reports and consensus guidelines are utilized in the management of sports concussion and associated post-traumatic headache, further evidence-based data are needed. Improved prevention and management of this injury will occur with ongoing educational and research efforts. As such advances are made, it is imperative the headache specialist have continued understanding of this evolving field.

Language: en