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Chronic posttraumatic headache in children and adolescents
1Headache Clinic, Fraser of Allander Neurosciences Unit, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Chronic posttraumatic headache (PTH) in children is poorly understood. This study found tension-type headaches were more common in children with PTH following head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Headache Medicine
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Chronic posttraumatic headache (PTH) in pediatric populations remains understudied.
- Understanding the characteristics and management of PTH in children is crucial for effective care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the symptoms, clinical findings, and management of chronic posttraumatic headache (PTH) in children and adolescents.
- To compare clinical variables between children with PTH and those without a history of head injury.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 children presenting with recurrent headaches post-head injury over 4 years.
- Diagnosis of chronic PTH based on International Headache Society criteria.
- Comparison of headache types (migraine, tension-type, mixed) and clinical course.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one children met criteria for chronic PTH, with a mean headache duration of 13.3 months.
- Tension-type headache was significantly more prevalent in children with chronic PTH compared to controls.
- Head injuries were classified as serious in 4 and minor in 17 patients.
Conclusions:
- Tension-type headache is a common presentation of chronic posttraumatic headache in children and adolescents.
- While headache type may differ, the clinical course of PTH in children appears comparable to those without head injury history.