What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Persistent Headache due to Craniotomy

What is Persistent Headache Attributed to Craniotomy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Persistent Headache Attributed to Craniotomy may be described as a form of secondary headache disorder that develops within a week’s time of craniotomy surgery and lasts for a period of 3 months or more
• The pain may be similar to a migraine headache or a tension-type headache and is often intense at the site of surgery. However, diffuse pain encompassing the whole head may also be felt by the affected individual
• The headache may develop in any patient in whom the craniotomy procedure is performed. Since the underlying cause of headache is known, the term “secondary” is used
• Craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening a small portion of the cranium (bony structure around the brain and part of the skull) temporarily, in order to treat diseases or disorders of the brain
• It is reported that nearly 25% of the individuals with acute headache from surgical craniotomy progress to develop Persistent Headache Attributed to Craniotomy

The criteria for diagnosis of Persistent Headache Attributed to Craniotomy as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Surgical craniotomy has been performed
• Any headache fulfilling the criteria below
• Headache is reported to have developed within 7 days after one of the following:
  • The craniotomy
  • Regaining of consciousness following the craniotomy
  • Discontinuation of medication(s) impairing ability to sense or report headache following the craniotomy
• Headache persists for over 3 months after its onset
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)

Differential diagnosis: It is important to exclude medication-overuse headache prior to establishing a diagnosis of Persistent Headache Attributed to Craniotomy.