When a person sustains a concussion, they immediately know, as they have likely heard of the dangers of traumatic brain injury or TBI. But not all people report the same symptoms, and one of those symptoms is a TBI headache.
When should you see a doctor about a TBI? Keep reading to learn all about the dangers of TBI, and how to know if you should get it checked out.
Investigating the Types of TBI Headaches
Investigating the types of TBI headaches helps to determine both the underlying cause and proper treatment options.
Acute Headaches
Acute headaches are generally caused by an acute injury and may last two to four weeks.
Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches are caused by a more severe traumatic brain injury and can persist for months or years after a head injury.
Migraine-Type
Migraine is characterized by intense, throbbing, and persistent pain.
There is also a post-concussion syndrome headache, which generally occurs after a mild traumatic brain injury and has symptoms similar to tension headaches. Investigating the types of TBI headaches is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Exploring the Causes of TBI Headache
Those who have experienced a TBI typically experience a tension-type headache, which is characterized by pounding or throbbing pain in the head and neck, frequent headaches of various types, as well as increased sensitivity to light and noise.
The primary cause of this type of headache is the disruption of nerve cells in the brain, which cause the release of excessive amounts of pain-regulating substances. As a result, TBI headaches can be especially difficult to treat.
It is important to note that while headaches are the most commonly reported symptom of TBI, they can be accompanied by other neurological deficits.
Thus, it is essential to learn about TBI headaches and explore their potential causes of them in order to determine the most effective treatment plan.
Learning the Short and Long-Term Effects of TBI Headache
TBI headaches are one of the most common long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury. They can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, and they may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.
On average, they develop between 1-3 months after the initial injury. TBI headaches tend to be migraines or tension headaches, and they can be difficult to manage with traditional pain medications.
Learning the effects of TBI headaches, both short and long-term, is an important step for those suffering from the after-effects of a traumatic brain injury.
Short-term effects may include difficulty maintaining activities of the following:
- daily living
- concentration
- sleep
Long-term effects may include impairment of:
- memory
- social functioning
- depression
- anxiety
Treatment for TBI headaches can include neurologists, physical therapists, psychologists, and pain management specialists. Education about the importance of self-care and learning how to manage the effects of TBI headaches is key.
Explore TBI Headache Today
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) headache can be a debilitating issue to deal with. Furthermore, it is important to see a medical professional who can properly diagnose and treat TBI headaches.
With the right treatment, symptoms can be lessened and a person can lead a better quality of life. Be proactive, and if you suspect a TBI, find medical help right away.
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