The Science: Post Traumatic Headaches

What do we know about the Science of Post-Traumatic Headaches?   The short answer… we’re still learning. 

The pathology of Post-Traumatic Headaches still remains largely unknown. There are several theories about why headaches are so common after a brain injury. 

There can be impaired inhibitory signals after a brain injury leading to increase in pain signals. 

There can be neuronal injury that leads to more calcium in the neuron, which cause it to fire more often. This can lead to more glutamate being released, which is neurotoxic.

There can be an increase in immune activation through macrophages and dendritic cells in the trigeminal sensory system which leads to headaches. 

The calcitonin gene-related peptide can be involved in migraines through activation of the trigeminal ganglion.

And, if glial cells are activated (which they are after a TBI) they will dump pro-inflammatory molecules that lead to neuron damage, vascular damage, and leaky blood-brain barrier. This is why symptoms are so long lasting!!!

There is also research linking the importance of repair during sleep through the glymphatic system. The glymphatic system in our brain is what removes any unwanted debris/aftermath from an injury. Craniosacral therapy is your allow when we are talking glymphatics!!!

Do you want to read more?   Check out this page for Free studies on this topic 

PMID: 25701908, 31527806, 24976746, 31359173

Siefert, MD T. Sports-Concussion and associated Post-Traumatic Headache. HomeCEU Connection. November 2019.