Delayed-onset post-traumatic headache after a motor vehicle collision: a case report

Delayed-onset post-traumatic headache after a motor vehicle collision: a case report
2007 June
Maja Stupar, BSc, DC and Peter SY Kim, BSc, DC, FCCS(C)*
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association
PubMed Central

Copyright © JCCA 2007

* Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Division of Clinical Education, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1
Corresponding Author: Maja Stupar BSc, DC, 115Ò140 Leeward Glenway, Toronto, ON M3C 2Y9 Tel: (416) 587-4740.

Abstract

Introduction
Headaches are common after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). Post-traumatic headaches share many clinical symptoms including the clinical course of primary headaches. Secondary headaches (including those resulting from a subdural hematoma) are not as common, but should be considered in cases of post-traumatic events particularly if clinical symptoms progress.

Clinical Features
A case of a patient with a post-traumatic subdural hematoma demonstrates the importance of carefully examining, properly diagnosing and managing patients that experience headaches after MVAs. This patient presented with uncomplicated low back pain, neck pain and headache which progressed at one month to include focal neurological deficits. Since clinical examination alone may not be sufficient to diagnose secondary headaches, immediate referral to the emergency department may be required.

Conclusion
Primary contact practitioners should be aware of the various causes of headaches that result after a MVA. Headaches, which do not respond or progress, should be followed aggressively to determine their source.

Keywords: headache, subdural hematoma, post-traumatic

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