Geen hersenschudding maar voetballersmigraine

A brain concussion is usually considered when headache and nausea occur after minor head injury during soccer or any other contact sport. These symptoms, however, may also be due to footballer’s migraine, a trauma triggered type of migraine (TTM).

Case description

Our patient, a 27-year-old amateur soccer player, was hit hard against the head by a ball. Within a few minutes he developed visual and sensory symptoms followed by headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. After treatment with paracetamol and metoclopramide, he was free of symptoms within 24 hours.

Conclusion

This picture is stereotypically associated with migraine provoked by minor head injury. TTM may also occur without aura. Trauma triggered migraine is seen more frequently in children, adolescents and young adults. The cause of trauma triggered migraine is unknown. Treatment of the headache and nausea with common analgesics and anti-emetic drugs might be effective. Proper explanation and reassurance are most important.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.