Related Experiment Videos
Headaches in children and adolescents
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, USA. dlewis@chkd.com
American Family Physician
|March 2, 2002
Summary
Pediatric headaches are common, especially in adolescence. A thorough history and neurological exam guide diagnosis, with neuroimaging reserved for specific cases, ensuring cost-effective care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Headaches are prevalent in children and adolescents.
- Increasing frequency and severity are noted during adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a rational, cost-effective approach to evaluating pediatric headaches.
- To guide diagnosis and management strategies for childhood headaches.
Main Methods:
- Detailed patient history to determine headache temporal patterns (acute, recurrent, chronic).
- Comprehensive physical and neurological examinations, focusing on specific neurological signs.
- Judicious use of neuroimaging, reserved for specific indications.
Main Results:
- History and neurological examination are primary diagnostic tools.
- Neuroimaging is not routinely indicated but crucial for specific progressive or abnormal cases.
- Management is tailored to headache frequency, severity, and lifestyle impact.
Conclusions:
- A systematic evaluation approach is key for effective pediatric headache management.
- Reassurance regarding the absence of serious neurological disease is a vital therapeutic component.
- Treatment may involve acute medications, prophylactic agents, and lifestyle adjustments.