Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 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

Migraine and tension headache in children under 6 years of age

Umberto Balottin1, Francesca Nicoli, Giovanni Pitillo

  • 1Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University of Insubria, Macchi Foundation Hospital, Varese 21100, Italy. balottin@unipv.it

European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|June 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic headache in young children is often underestimated. Recognizing clinical features and psychosocial factors is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for specialized care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Idiopathic headache in early childhood is frequently overlooked by parents and physicians.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and contributing factors is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical features of early-onset idiopathic headache in children.
  • To explore the influence of environmental and psychological factors on pediatric headaches.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective longitudinal evaluation of 35 children with headache symptoms (mean age at onset: 4 years, 2 months).
  • Assessment for early developmental disorders, interictal somatic disorders, and psychosocial factors.
  • Comparison of International Headache Society (IHS) criteria with clinical diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • Headache diagnoses included migraine, tension-type headache, and unclassifiable types.
  • Early developmental disorders (e.g., feeding/sleep issues) were present in 18/35 children.
  • Psychosocial factors were identified in 14/35 subjects, influencing headache onset and course.

Conclusions:

  • Improved clinical definitions are needed to identify young children with idiopathic headaches.
  • Headaches in children may indicate underlying individual or family psychological issues.
  • Multidisciplinary teams including psychologists or psychiatrists are vital for comprehensive management.
Abstract

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

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
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...
Equilibrium and Balance01:15

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...
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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...