Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Chronic daily headaches in children

Andrew D Hershey1

  • 1Headache Centre, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. Andrew.Hershey@cchmc.org

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|April 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Chronic daily headaches (CDH) are a growing concern, affecting up to 4% of adults. While the prevalence in children is unknown, most cases appear migraine-related, prompting proposed updates to diagnostic criteria.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic daily headache (CDH) is an increasing health concern, with adult prevalence estimated up to 4%.
  • The prevalence and specific characteristics of CDH in children remain largely undetermined.
  • Current International Headache Society (IHS) criteria primarily recognize chronic tension-type and cluster headaches as CDH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of chronic daily headaches (CDH) in children.
  • To highlight the proposed inclusion of chronic migraine in CDH diagnostic criteria.
  • To emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluation and multi-tiered management strategies for pediatric CDH.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies and proposed diagnostic criteria for CDH.
  • Analysis of the characteristics of CDH in pediatric populations.
  • Discussion of diagnostic evaluation, including differentiation from secondary headaches.
  • Overview of current and proposed treatment approaches for CDH.

Main Results:

  • The actual prevalence of CDH in children has not been definitively established.
  • Migraine appears to be the predominant underlying condition in the majority of pediatric CDH cases.
  • Proposed revisions to IHS criteria aim to include chronic migraine within the definition of CDH.
  • A multi-tiered management approach is recommended, incorporating abortive and prophylactic therapies, alongside behavioral interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of pediatric CDH requires thorough history taking and physical examination to rule out secondary causes.
  • Management strategies for pediatric CDH should be individualized, focusing on reducing headache frequency and severity.
  • The evolving diagnostic criteria for CDH, particularly the inclusion of chronic migraine, are crucial for improving pediatric headache care.

More Related Videos

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache05:40

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)07:01

A Pediatric Concussion Model in Mice: Closed Head Injury with Long-Term Disorders (CHILD)

Published on: February 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...