DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT PAIN AFTER TRAUMA TO THE HEAD AND NECK

Purpose: A retrospective and prospective study on 22 cases of persiste nt pain after trauma to the head and neck is presented. According to t he predominant symptoms and signs, pain patterns could be divided into musculoskeletal, vascular, and neuropathic, facilitating treatment de cisions. Most cases were musculoskeletal in origin, with many demonstr ating a combination of two or three pain states. Results: The variety of pain complaints and their underlying pathophysiology are discussed and treatments for specific pain states are examined. Conclusion: Amit riptyline was the most useful drug in that it provided pain relief in musculoskeletal, vascular, and some neuropathic pain conditions. Multi drug therapy may be indicated in some recalcitrant cases, and drug alt ernatives are discussed.