Cervicogenic headache (CEH) six years after whiplash injury.

The main objective of the present investigation was to clarify the long-term natural course of cervicogenic headache (CEH) after whiplash injury. Whiplash patients (n=587) were initially followed up for a year after their emergency service consultation. De novo unilateral CEH seemed to be present in 8% (n=48) at six weeks and in 3% (n=20) at one year. Previous car accidents, pre-existing headache, and neck pain were more frequent among individuals with chronic CEH than in those without CEH at one year. Patients affected by headache with CEH characteristics at one year were followed up for five more years, at the end of which seven (35%) still had such headache, although the attack frequency had reduced appreciably. Forward radiating pain could still generally be precipitated from areas along the occipital tendons ipsilaterally. Increased tenderness in these areas could also be found on the previously symptomatic side in the patients who were now asymptomatic.