The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy for post-traumatic headaches.
Post-traumatic headache is one of the most common symptoms following mild and moderate head injury. Psychological factors are believed to play a role in the cause, maintenance and relief from chronic post-traumatic headache. This research evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-dimensional cognitive-behavioural approach towards rehabilitation of post-traumatic headaches. The sample included 20 participants with post-traumatic headaches from an original sample of 41. Participants acted as their own controls. Outcome measures consisted of self-rating questionnaires to assess headache severity, intensity, duration, functioning and emotional well-being. Emotional and functional headache characteristics were studied using a multi-dimensional investigation which included relatives' perceptions of the sufferers headaches. The intervention proved effective and beneficial for the 20 therapy participants. It is concluded that cognitive-behavioural therapy provides a useful supplement to the treatment of post-traumatic headache.
Gurr
B
B
Poole Community Clinic, Poole, Dorset, UK. birgit.gurr@dorsethc-tr.swest.nhs.uk
Coetzer
B R
BR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051298:Post-Traumatic Headache / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome