Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting from a direct hit to the head or movements similar to whiplash. The physical or chemical structure of your brain may be harmed as a result of this type of injury. Post-concussive syndrome (PCS) refers to the symptoms you may encounter in the days or weeks following a concussion. If you’ve had many concussions, you’re more likely to develop PCS.
A migraine headache is a sort of persistent, severe headache. This normally affects only one side of the head, however, this isn’t necessarily the case. Migraine can be severe in some situations and these headaches are one of the symptoms of PCS.
After a concussion, what causes recurring migraine headaches?
Following a concussion, headaches are normal. The reasons are unknown, but they’re frequently attributed to the injury’s residual effects. Your brain, skull, or neck might be damaged. If a persistent post-traumatic headache (PTH) persists for more than 3 months following a TBI, it is considered chronic.
After a TBI, 51% of persons report headaches for the next two weeks according to a 2017 study. Twenty-three percent of people with persistent headaches had them after three months. Women and people who went to the ER for headaches were more likely to have persistent headaches.
People with PTH had decreased gray matter, by thickness and volume, in numerous parts of the brain shortly after the injury, according to two different studies published in 2018 and 2020.
After a concussion, symptoms of chronic migraine headaches
A migraine headache is a form of headache that is unique from others. Understanding the signs and symptoms may aid with diagnosis and therapy. Migraine attacks cause the following symptoms:
- Light physical movement causes discomfort to worsen (such as walking).
- fainting
- vision loss or blurred vision
- Vomiting or nausea
- sensitivities to light, sound, and odors
- a pulsating or throbbing sensation that is usually localized to one part of the head
- a severe headache
After a concussion, how long do migraines last?
The severity of post-traumatic headaches varies by individual. Additional studies are needed to assess the impact on different persons. The majority of persons with PTH will suffer headaches on a daily or weekly basis, with only a few having headaches less frequently according to a 2014 study. The length of each episode varies from a few minutes to several hours.
How to Deal with Migraine Headaches After a Concussion?
Scientists still are looking into whether different treatment methods for post-traumatic migraine headaches may be beneficial. Presently, post-concussive migraine headaches are treated similarly to migraines without concussions.
Migraine headaches can be treated in a variety of ways. Some might be self-care remedies, while others may necessitate the assistance of a medical expert.
Over-the-counter medications and home cures
Migraine headaches specialist doctor most typical recommendations are to limit your physical activity and obtain plenty of rest. Sometimes, but not always, bed rest is advised. Your treatment plan could include a lifestyle modification. This may entail adhering to a nutritious diet and abstaining from alcoholic beverages.
Post-traumatic migraine headaches are usually treated with acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). These are over-the-counter drugs that are readily available.
- vitamin B2
- CoQ10
- Petasites
- magnesium
- Feverfew
Medical treatment
Triptans are a type of migraine medicine that is commonly prescribed. They aid in the reduction of enlarged blood arteries in the brain. A doctor must prescribeTriptans.
Other prescription migraine medications include:
- barbiturates
- opioids
- ergotamines
- antiemetics
- tricyclic antidepressants
Prescription medications can come with several hazards and adverse effects. Opioids and barbiturates, for example, have a high risk of addiction and affect your temperament. These are prescribed in a substantially smaller percentage of cases.
Kindly remind your doctor in American Center on Behance about any home cures you’re taking so they don’t conflict with your medications.
A doctor may offer monoclonal antibodies as a more modern migraine treatment option. This approach was confirmed to be successful in 2017 research, but the long-term implications are still unknown.
Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is often used to treat migraines. Several injections in the head and neck are required. Post-traumatic migraine headache surgeries are uncommon, with only 1.5 percent of cases requiring surgery.
When should you consult a doctor if your migraine headaches persist after a concussion?
See a doctor in a migraine headaches treatment center in Abu Dhabi as soon as possible if you think you’ve had a concussion. If your headaches become more frequent or intense after getting treatment for a TBI, or if they don’t go away on their own, see a doctor as soon as possible. They may alter your treatment plan or refer you to a neurologist or another specialist.
Is it possible to avoid post-concussive migraine headaches?
There isn’t enough high-quality research on avoiding post-concussive migraine headaches according to a 2019 study. Anti-seizure and anti-hypertensive drugs, as well as antidepressants, are sometimes used.
Medication-overuse headaches (MOH) can occur if you take too many pain relievers. Therefore, if you think you might need to take more painkillers, talk to your doctor.
According to a 2018 study, there are a variety of ways to lessen the incidence and severity of persistent PTH and improve the mental health of patients with migraine. These methods may aid in preventing the development of a persistent acute PTH:
- Whenever feasible, decrease the use of various headache pain medicines.
- Biofeedback.
- meditation.
- cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- drinking electrolytes
- keeping a regular sleep schedule
Preventing traumatic brain injuries in the first place is the best method to avoid post-traumatic migraine headaches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises:
- utilizing child safety equipment in living and play areas
- For sports and recreational activities, it is necessary to wear appropriate headgear.
- keeping older adults from falling
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
- Only drive if you are awake and sober.
Other Post-Concussive Syndrome Symptoms
PCS manifests itself in a variety of ways, including migraine headaches. PCS can occur without the presence of migraine headaches. Other symptoms of PCS, according to 2020 research, are:
- fatigue
- insomnia
- sensitivity to light or noise
- mood problems
- suicidal ideation
- memory loss
- low ability to focus
- confusion
- speech difficulty
- irritability
- Tinnitus
Conclusion
Following traumatic brain injuries like concussions, headaches, especially migraine headaches, are prevalent. Migraine headaches, in particular, can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life.
Luckily, migraine therapies have been thoroughly explored, and there are numerous solutions available. Consult a doctor in American Center for Psychiatry & Neurology about a treatment plan if you’re suffering from migraine headaches as a result of a concussion.
You can check the American Center UAE Experiences & Reviews online to get an idea of how satisfied the patients are and how good the treatment in American Center UAE is. Do not hesitate to contact them now in order to get whatever treatments you or your loved ones may need.
