Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania-like headaches in a child: response to a headache diary

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B D Klassen1, J M Dooley

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Headache
|January 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A headache diary helped diagnose and treat a child with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH)-like headaches, which were triggered by stress. This non-pharmacological approach shows promise for pediatric headache management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH) and cluster headaches are severe unilateral headaches with autonomic dysfunction.
  • While rare, both conditions can manifest in childhood.
  • Distinguishing features include headache frequency, duration, and response to medication.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy experienced CPH-like headaches.
  • Headaches were noted to occur after stressful events.
  • Headache symptoms improved shortly after implementing a headache diary.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of stress-induced CPH-like headaches in a child.
  • Headache diary use correlated with symptom resolution.
  • Stress as a trigger for CPH-like headaches in pediatric patients is newly identified.

Implications:

  • Headache diaries can aid in diagnosing pediatric headache disorders.
  • A headache diary serves as an initial non-pharmacological intervention for children.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering stress in pediatric headache etiology.

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