Pathophysiological links between traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic headaches

Post-Traumatic Headache: A Review of Prevalence, Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Treatment Strategies

Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a common and debilitating consequence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can occur over one year after the head impact event. Thus, better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and risk factors could facilitate early identification and management of PTH. There are several factors that could influence the reporting of PTH prevalence, including the definition of concussion and PTH. The main risk factors for PTHs include a history of migraines or headaches, female gender, younger age, greater severity of the head injury, and co-occurring psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. PTH clinical profiles vary based on onset, duration, and severity: tension-type headache, migraine headaches, cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, and new daily persistent headache. Pharmacological treatments often consist of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, or antiepileptic medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and physical therapy could also be used for PTH treatment. Our work highlighted the need for more rigorous studies to better describe the importance of identifying risk factors and patient-centered treatments and to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing treatment options. Clinicians should consider a multidisciplinary approach to managing PTH, including pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Risk of Migraine after Traumatic Brain Injury and Effects of Injury Management Levels and Treatment Modalities: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes several long-term disabilities, particularly headaches. An association between TBI and subsequent migraine has been reported. However, few longitudinal studies have explained the link between migraine and TBI. Moreover, the modifying effects of treatment remain unknown. This retrospective cohort study used records from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 to evaluate the risk of migraine among patients with TBI and to determine the effects of different treatment modalities. Initially, 187,906 patients, aged ≥ 18 years, who were diagnosed as TBI in 2000, were identified. In total, 151,098 patients with TBI and 604,394 patients without TBI were matched at a 1:4 ratio according to baseline variables during the same observation period. At the end of follow-up, 541 (0.36%) and 1491 (0.23%) patients in the TBI and non-TBI groups, respectively, developed migraine. The TBI group exhibited a higher risk of migraine than the non-TBI group (adjusted HR: 1.484). Major trauma (Injury Severity Score, ISS ≥ 16) was associated with a higher migraine risk than minor trauma (ISS < 16) (adjusted HR: 1.670). However, migraine risk did not differ significantly after surgery or occupational/physical therapy. These findings highlight the importance of long-term follow-up after TBI onset and the need to investigate the underlying pathophysiological link between TBI and subsequent migraine.

Neurological Symptoms and Their Associations With Inflammatory Biomarkers in the Chronic Phase Following Traumatic Brain Injuries

BACKGROUND

The underlying biological mechanisms for neurological symptoms following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain poorly understood. This study investigated the associations between serum inflammatory biomarkers and neurological symptoms in the chronic phase following moderate to severe TBI.

METHODS

The serum interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and the tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α in 72 TBI patients 6 months to 2 years post injury were measured. Neurological symptoms including depression, chronic headache, sleep disturbance, irritability, anxiety, and global neurological disability was assessed. The associations between the biomarkers and the neurological symptoms were assessed using correlation and regression analysis.

RESULTS

It was found that the most common post-injury symptom was sleep disturbance (84.7%), followed by chronic headaches (59.7%), irritability (55.6%), and depression (54.2%). TNF-α was a protective factor for chronic headache (OR = 0.473, 95% CI = 0.235-0.952). IL-6 was positively associated with sleep disturbance (r = 0.274, p = 0.021), while IL-5 and IL-12p70 were negatively associated with the degree of global neurological disability (r = -0.325, p = 0.006; r = -0.319, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary evidence for the association between chronic inflammation with neurological symptoms following a TBI, which suggests that anti-inflammatory could be a potential target for post-TBI neurological rehabilitation. Further research with larger sample sizes and more related biomarkers are still needed, however, to elucidate the inflammatory mechanisms for this association.

Normative values for the Sensory Organization Test in an active duty military cohort

BACKGROUND

Computerized dynamic posturography is commonly used to assess balance in service members, but normative values for the military population have not been established.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the normative values for the Motor Control Test (MCT), Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and the enhanced SOT (eSOT) within the military population and at which point do they differ?

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. 237 active duty service members (78 % male) completed the MCT, SOT and the eSOT with the sway manipulated at a gain of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the means of men and women for the SOT and MCT composite scores. A Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the means of age groups for the SOT composite score. An independent t-test was used to compare the SOT composite scores from our military population to the manufacturer's normative (civilian) data. The means and standard deviations for the eSOT scores were reported for each gain. Paired-samples t-tests were performed to compare the SOT composite score with the eSOT composite score for each level of gain.

RESULTS

There was no difference between SOT composite scores for men and women (Mann-Whitney U = 4363.50, p = 0.19) or among age groups (Kruskal-Wallis = 2.77, p = 0.25). The mean SOT composite scores were not different from the manufacturer's normative values (p = 0.155). SOT composite scores were significantly higher than eSOT composite scores for gains of 1.4 (t = 3.16, p = 0.003), 1.6 (t = 5.73, p < 0.001), 1.8 (t = 5.26, p < 0.001) and 2.0 (t = 5.89, p < 0.001). MCT composite scores were lower in the 18-26 year old than the 36-45 year old age group (p = 0.013).

SIGNIFICANCE

This study establishes normative values for the MCT, SOT and eSOT in active duty military service members. The results suggest that the manufacturer's normal values are appropriate for making judgments about the postural stability of service members.

Greater Severity and Functional Impact of Post-traumatic Headache in Veterans With Comorbid Neck Pain Following Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a commonly experienced symptom after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Blast injury- or blunt injury-related mechanisms for mTBI in veterans can also affect musculoskeletal structures in the neck, resulting in comorbid neck pain (NP). However, it is unknown whether the presence of comorbid NP may be associated with a different pattern of headache symptoms, physical functioning, or emotional functioning compared to those without comorbid NP. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of comorbid NP in veterans with mTBI and PTH.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional investigation of an existing dataset that included 33 veterans who met inclusion criteria for PTH after mTBI. Standardized measures of headache severity and frequency, insomnia, fatigue, mood disorders, and physical and emotional role function were compared between groups with and without comorbid NP.

RESULTS

The majority of participants with PTH reported comorbid NP (n = 22/33, 67%). Those with comorbid NP experienced more headache symptoms that were severe or incapacitating, as compared to mild or moderate for those without NP (φ = 0.343, P = .049); however, no differences in headache frequency (φ = 0.231, P = .231) or duration (φ = 0.129, P = .712) were observed. Participants with comorbid NP also reported greater insomnia (d = 1.16, P = .003) and fatigue (d = 0.868, P = .040) as well as lower physical functioning (d = 0.802, P = .036) and greater bodily pain (d = 0.762, P = .012). There were no differences in anxiety, depression, mental health, emotional role limitations, vitality, or social functioning between those with and without comorbid NP (d ≤ 0.656, P ≥ .079).

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of veterans with mTBI and PTH in our sample reported comorbid NP that was associated with greater headache symptom severity and physical limitations, but not with mood or emotional limitations. Preliminary findings from this small convenience sample indicate that routine assessment of comorbid NP and associated physical limitations should be considered in veterans with mTBI and PTH.

Addressing chronic persistent headaches after MTBI as a neuropathic pain state

An increasing number of patients with chronic persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH) after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) are being referred to headache or pain specialists as conventional treatment options for primary headache disorders have not been able to adequately alleviate their debilitating headache symptoms. Evolving clinical and mechanistic evidences support the notation that chronic persistent MTBI related headaches (MTBI-HA) carry the hallmark characteristics of neuropathic pain. Thus, in addition to conventional treatment options applicable to non-traumatic primary headache disorders, other available treatment modalities for neuropathic pain should be considered. In this comprehensive review article, the author reveals the prevalence of MTBI-HA and its clinical manifestation, discusses existing clinical and mechanistic evidence supporting the classification of chronic persistent MTBI-HA as a neuropathic pain state, and explores current available treatment options and future directions of therapeutic research related to MTBI-HA.

Persistent Post-Traumatic Headache and Migraine: Pre-Clinical Comparisons

Background: Oftentimes, persistent post traumatic headache (PPTH) and migraine are phenotypically similar and the only clinical feature that differentiate them is the presence of a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The aim of this study is to describe the differences in brain area and in biochemical cascade after concussion and to define the efficacy and safety of treatments in use. Methods: Sources were chosen in according to the International Classification of Headache Disorder (ICHD) criteria. Results: The articles demonstrated a significant difference between PPTH and migraine regarding static functional connectivity (sFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) in brain structure that could be used for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms in PPTH. Many studies described a cascade of neuro-metabolic changes that occur after traumatic brain injury. These variations are associated to the mechanism occurring when developing a PPTH. Conclusions: The state of art of this important topic show how although the mechanisms underlying the development of the two different diseases are different, the treatment of common migraine is efficacious in patients that have developed a post traumatic form.

Sleep disturbances and internalizing behavior problems following pediatric traumatic injury

OBJECTIVE

This prospective longitudinal study investigated sleep disturbance (SD) and internalizing problems after traumatic injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) or extracranial/bodily injury (EI) in children and adolescents, relative to typically developing (TD) children. We also examined longitudinal relations between SD and internalizing problems postinjury.

METHOD

Participants (N = 87) ages 8-15 included youth with TBI, EI, and TD children. Injury groups were recruited from a Level 1 trauma center after sustaining vehicle-related injuries. Parent-reported SD and internalizing problems were assessed at preinjury/baseline, and 6 and 12 months postinjury. Linear mixed models evaluated the relation of group and time of assessment on outcomes.

RESULTS

Controlling for age, the combined traumatic injury group experienced significantly higher postinjury levels of SD (p = .042) and internalizing problems (p = .024) than TD children; however, TBI and EI injury groups did not differ from each other. Injury severity was positively associated with SD in the EI group only, but in both groups SD was associated with additional postinjury sequelae, including fatigue and externalizing behavior problems. Internalizing problems predicted subsequent development of SD but not vice versa. The relation between injury and SD 1 year later was consistent with mediation by internalizing problems at 6 months postinjury.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with both types of traumatic injury demonstrated higher SD and internalizing problems than healthy children. Internalizing problems occurring either prior to or following pediatric injury may be a risk factor for posttraumatic SD. Consequently, internalizing problems may be a promising target of intervention to improve both SD and related adjustment concerns. (PsycINFO Database Record

Enhanced descending pain facilitation in acute traumatic brain injury

Acute and persistent pain are recognized consequences of TBI that can enhance suffering and significantly impair rehabilitative efforts. Both experimental models and clinical studies suggest that TBI may result in an imbalance between descending pain facilitatory and inhibitory pathways. The aim of this study was to assess the role of enhanced descending serotonin-mediated pain facilitation in a rat TBI model using selective spinal serotonergic fiber depletion with 5, 7-dihydroxytryptamine (DHT). We observed significant hindpaw allodynia in TBI rats that was reduced after DHT but not vehicle treatment. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated profound spinal serotonin depletion in DHT-treated rats. Furthermore, lumbar intrathecal administration of the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist ondansetron at 7 days post-injury (DPI), when hindpaw allodynia was maximal, also attenuated nociceptive sensitization. Additional immunohistochemical analyses of the lumbar spinal cord at 7 DPI revealed a robust bilateral microglial response in the superficial dorsal horns that was significantly reduced with DHT treatment. Furthermore, serotonin depletion also prevented the TBI-induced bilateral increase in c-Fos positive cells within the Rexed laminae I and II of the dorsal horns. These results indicate that in the weeks following TBI, pain may be responsive to 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists or other measures which rebalance descending pain modulation.

Bioactive Lipids in Cancer, Inflammation and Related Diseases : Acute and Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Differentially Changes Levels of Bioactive Lipids in the CNS Associated with Headache

Headache is a common complaint after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Changes in the CNS lipidome were previously associated with acrolein-induced headache in rodents. mTBI caused similar headache-like symptoms in rats; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that mTBI might likewise alter the lipidome. Using a stereotaxic impactor, rats were given either a single mTBI or a series of 4 mTBIs 48 h apart. 72 h later for single mTBI and 7 days later for repeated mTBI, the trigeminal ganglia (TG), trigeminal nucleus (TNC), and cerebellum (CER) were isolated. Using HPLC/MS/MS, ~80 lipids were measured in each tissue and compared to sham controls. mTBI drove widespread alterations in lipid levels. Single mTBI increased arachidonic acid and repeated mTBI increased prostaglandins in all 3 tissue types. mTBI affected multiple TRPV agonists, including N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine (AEA), which increased in the TNC and CER after single mTBI. After repeated mTBI, AEA increased in the TG, but decreased in the TNC. Common to all tissue types in single and repeated mTBI was an increase the AEA metabolite, N-arachidonoyl glycine, a potent activator of microglial migration. Changes in the CNS lipidome associated with mTBI likely play a role in headache and in long-term neurodegenerative effects of repeated mTBI.

Rehabilitation Assessment and Management of Neurosensory Deficits After Traumatic Brain Injury in the Polytrauma Veteran

Neurosensory deficits after traumatic brain injury can frequently lead to disability; therefore, diagnosis and treatment are important. Posttraumatic headaches typically resemble migraines and are managed similarly, but adjuvant physical therapy may be beneficial. Sleep-related issues are treated pharmacologically based on the specific sleep-related complaint. Fatigue is difficult to treat; cognitive behavioral therapy and aquatic therapy can be beneficial. Additionally, methylphenidate and modafinil have been used. Peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction causes dizziness and balance dysfunction, and the mainstay of treatment is vestibular physical therapy. Visual dysfunction incorporates numerous different diagnoses, which are frequently treated with specific rehabilitation programs.

Potential for the development of light therapies in mild traumatic brain injury

Light affects almost all aspects of human physiological functioning, including circadian rhythms, sleep-wake regulation, alertness, cognition and mood. We review the existing relevant literature on the effects of various wavelengths of light on these major domains, particularly as they pertain to recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries. Evidence suggests that light, particularly in the blue wavelengths, has powerful alerting, cognitive and circadian phase shifting properties that could be useful for treatment. Other wavelengths, such as red and green may also have important effects that, if targeted appropriately, might also be useful for facilitating recovery. Despite the known effects of light, more research is needed. We recommend a personalized medicine approach to the use of light therapy as an adjunctive treatment for patients recovering from mild traumatic brain injury.

Clinical characteristics of patients with bipolar disorder and premorbid traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

About one in ten diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) has experienced a premorbid traumatic brain injury (TBI), while not fulfilling the criteria of bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition (BD due to TBI). We investigated whether these patients have similar clinical characteristics as previously described in BD due to TBI (i.e. more aggression and irritability and an increased hypomania/mania:depression ratio) and other distinct clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Five hundred five patients diagnosed with BD type I, type II, or not otherwise specified, or cyclothymia were interviewed about family, medical, and psychiatric history, and assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Clinician Rated 30 (IDS-C₃₀). Principal component analyses of YMRS and IDS-C₃₀ were conducted. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression analyses were used to compare clinical characteristics between patients with (n = 37) and without (n = 468) premorbid TBI.

RESULTS

Premorbid TBI was associated with a higher YMRS disruptive component score (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.4, p = 0.0077) and more comorbid migraine (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.9-11, p = 0.00090) independently of several possible confounders. Items on disruptive/aggressive behaviour and irritability had the highest loadings on the YMRS disruptive component. Premorbid TBI was not associated with an increased hypomania/mania:depression ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Disruptive symptoms and comorbid migraine characterize BD with premorbid TBI. Further studies should examine whether the partial phenomenological overlap with BD due to TBI could be explained by a continuum of pathophysiological effects of TBI across the diagnostic dichotomy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00201526. Registered September 2005 (retrospectively registered).

Traumatic Brain Injury, Sleep Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders: An Underrecognized Relationship

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is commonplace among pediatric patients and has a complex, but intimate relationship with psychiatric disease and disordered sleep. Understanding the factors that influence the risk for the development of TBI in pediatrics is a critical component of beginning to address the consequences of TBI. Features that may increase risk for experiencing TBI sometimes overlap with factors that influence the development of post-concussive syndrome (PCS) and recovery course. Post-concussive syndrome includes physical, psychological, cognitive and sleep-wake dysfunction. The comorbid presence of sleep-wake dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms can lead to a more protracted recovery and deleterious outcomes. Therefore, a multidisciplinary evaluation following TBI is necessary. Treatment is generally symptom specific and mainly based on adult studies. Further research is necessary to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as improve the understanding of contributing pathophysiology for the shared development of psychiatric disease and sleep-wake dysfunction following TBI.

SUN: Short-Lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks

PREMISE

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUN) are part of the group of primary headaches called trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). They are characterized by unilateral attacks of pain with associated ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms.

PROBLEM

Recently the classification of these attacks has changed, to incorporate the different types of autonomic symptoms such as conjunctival injection and tearing (or lack thereof). Previously considered to be rare and rather refractory to treatment, there is an increasing awareness of this syndrome and the therapeutic possibilities.

DISCUSSION

This article discusses the clinical aspects of the syndrome, pathophysiology, current, and future treatments.

Behavioral Treatments for Post-Traumatic Headache

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a common headache type after traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are no FDA approved medications for PTH, and it is unknown how medications can affect the brain's ability to recover from TBI. Thus, we sought to examine the biopsychosocial factors that influence PTH and the non-pharmacologic treatments studied for headache treatment. We also sought to determine if there is literature examining whether the non-pharmacologic treatments influence the biopsychosocial factors. The non-pharmacologic treatments assessed included cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation therapy (PMR), acupuncture, and physical therapy (PT).

RECENT FINDINGS

Factors associated with prognosis in PTH may include the following: severity of TBI, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, other psychiatric comorbidities, sociocultural and psychosocial factors, litigation, base rate misattribution, expectation as etiology, and chronic pain. There are few high quality studies on the non-pharmacologic treatments for PTH. Thermal and EMG biofeedback appear to have been examined the most followed by CBT. Studies did not have secondary outcomes examining the psychosocial factors related to PTH. Most of the behavioral studies involved a multi-modality intervention limiting the ability to assess the individual non-pharmacologic interventions we sought to study. There were very few randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of non-pharmacologic interventions. Therefore, future research, which considers the noted biopsychosocial factors, is needed in the field to determine if these interventions reduce PTH.