The authors review posttraumatic headache (PTH). The most common symptom
following head injury, PTH is paradoxically most severe after mild head
injury. Although most cases resolve within 6 to 12 months, many patients
have protracted or even permanent headache. Because PTH generally has no
objective findings, it is often controversial whether the symptom is
"real," "psychogenic," or "fabricated." Despite persisting beliefs by
physicians, attorneys, and insurers that PTH resolves upon legal
settlement, recent studies have shown that "permanent" PTH is usually still
present several years after a legal settlement. Often PTH affects family
life, recreation, and employment. Patients require education and support as
well as appropriate evaluation and treatment.Abstract Teaser