Need help understanding medical terminology

[joan41]

Hi, I received a neurology report that refers to my constant headaches as post-traumatic migraine headaches, and cervicogenic headaches resulting from damage to the C1-3 facet joints, periosteum, and ligaments or trauma to the greater occipital nerves.  Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to discuss this report with the doctor who wrote it.  Can someone please interpret this for me...I don't understand all the medical terms.  thanks

[joan41]

Yes, it does help.  Thank you very much.

[tomsant]

post-traumatic= after - injury

migraine headaches = the headaches are migraines or like migraine

cervicogenic headaches = Headache resulting from injury to the cervical (neck) spine (vertebrae)

C1-3 facet joints = Facet joints between 1st to 3rd cervical vertebrae. There are two facet joints (one on each side) between adjacent vertebrae.

periosteum = The tough membrane covering of bone

ligaments = tough membrane covering joints or connecting bones.

trauma = injury

greater occipital nerves = Name of a nerve from neck to back of the head

Hope this helps.

Best,

Thomas Antony

[joan41]

Thank you for your response.  I have all of the symptoms you mentioned.  It is nice to know, fourteen months after I was in a vehicle collision, that there is a physical reason for these symptoms and I am not nuts.  You helped a bunch.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

As per your report you are having continuous headaches due to some kind of physical trauma in the past. The trauma had caused damage to the first three cervical vertebrae or the greater occipital nerve in your head.

The post-traumatic headache syndrome is commonly seen following injuries to the head or neck, usually after automobile accidents. The headaches may develop early (within 2 weeks) or they may not develop these migraines until months following the injury. Many patients have associated neck and posterior occipital pain.  The cervical pain and headaches may resolve at different times.  There may be other associated symptoms like poor concentration, irritability, sensitivity to noise or bright lights, depression, dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus, memory problems, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness or anxiety.

Both abortive and/or preventive medication is available for the treatment. Physical therapy has a key role in treating the associated neck pain and tenderness as also in decreasing the headaches.
Hope it helps.
Take care