[Gender differences of post-traumatic headache and other post-commotio symptoms. A follow-up study after a period of 9-12 months].

OBJECTIVE

Symptoms following head injury are common. The aim of the present study was to estimate the association between age, sex, unconsciousness in connection with the trauma, type of accident, headache before the trauma, fractures, and post-traumatic headache, or other symptoms.

METHODS

The patients studied were aged 18-60 years and had been under observation at the University Hospital of Aarhus in the period August 1986 to August 1987, because of concussion or suspected concussion. The records were examined, and the patients were interviewed by telephone 9-12 months after the trauma.

RESULTS

Out of 233 patients, 168 were interviewed (72%). Of these, 57% had symptoms and 26% had received treatment. Two per cent were still on sick leave. Sixty-four patients (38%) complained of post-traumatic headache, whereas 31% had symptoms without post-traumatic headache, most often difficulties with memory or concentration. In a logistic regression model we estimated the adjusted odds ratio of having post-traumatic headache in women compared with men to 2.6 (1.2-5.8), whereas the corresponding OR for other symptoms was 1.0 (0.4-2.7).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that women had an increased risk of post-traumatic headache, but not other post-traumatic symptoms, in comparison with men.