Cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in post-concussional headache.
Persistent headache is a common symptom following a minor head injury or concussion, possibly related to simultaneous injury of structures of the cervical spine. This study measured aspects of cervical musculoskeletal function in a group of patients (12) with post-concussional headache (PCH) and in a normal control group. The PCH group was distinguished from the control group by the presence of painful upper cervical segmental joint dysfunction, less endurance in the neck flexor muscles and a higher incidence of moderately tight neck musculature. Active range of cervical motion and postural attitude were not significantly different between groups. As upper cervical joint dysfunction is a feature of cervicogenic causes of headache, the results of this study support the inclusion of a precise physical examination of the cervical region in differential diagnosis of patients suffering persistent headache following concussion.
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, Australia.
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J
Treleaven
G
G
Jull
L
L
Atkinson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors