epidemiology

The prevalence of post-traumatic headache (PTH) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) exhibits significant variability, with estimates ranging from 30% to 90% in the general population. This variance is attributed to methodological differences across studies, including variations in study population characteristics and the duration of follow-up periods. PTH is notably the most common symptom reported after mTBI, and its occurrence is crucially dependent on data from patients seeking immediate care in emergency settings. However, the frequency of PTH among patients consulting general practitioners days after the trauma is challenging to ascertain. Complicating the diagnosis further, PTH can be misidentified as migraine or another primary headache disorder, especially among individuals with a history of headaches. The issue of underreporting is particularly relevant in specific groups such as athletes and military personnel, where the incidence of PTH may be higher than reported. The complexity of accurately diagnosing and reporting PTH prevalence underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of its epidemiology, considering the impact of methodological approaches, patient populations, and healthcare-seeking behaviors.