Teen Football Player's Persistent Headache Diagnosed and Treated After Year of Symptoms

Medical Response A teen athlete experienced a persistent headache after sustaining concussions while playing football. The family removed the teen from the team and consulted various doctors, who diagnosed a concussion but could not alleviate the pain.

The family visited pediatricians, neurologists, and chiropractors, and attempted dietary changes and other therapies. They sought care from sports physicians, but none of these efforts reduced the headache, which persisted at a high intensity. The teen's condition affected daily life, including difficulty focusing in school, frequent rests, and inability to participate in extracurricular activities or spend time with friends.

Reading became particularly challenging, and frequent medical appointments impacted academic performance. The family described the period as one where they tried various approaches without success.

The family was referred to a specialized clinic, where the teen was diagnosed with persistent post-traumatic headache, a condition involving headaches lasting more than three months following head injuries. Experts note that individuals with a history of migraines or prior concussions may be more susceptible to this condition.

Treatment options vary by patient, and no FDA-approved medication exists specifically for post-concussion headaches, so providers often use migraine treatments.

Treatments included nerve blocks and intravenous medications over multiple sessions, which reportedly reduced pain levels. Subsequent oral medications provided limited relief, leading to additional treatments. During this period, the teen expressed frustration with the process.

Context and Next Steps Persistent post-traumatic headaches commonly occur after head injuries, particularly in those with migraine histories.

Intravenous treatments can be more effective as medications enter the bloodstream more readily, according to medical experts. The family's experience highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating such conditions, with ongoing monitoring likely needed to maintain progress and support a return to normal activities.