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Chronic recurrent headaches in children

H S Singer1, S Rowe

  • 1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

Pediatric Annals
|June 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Chronic recurrent headaches in children, like migraines, are common and usually benign. Reassurance and simple treatments are often effective, with a generally favorable long-term prognosis for pediatric headache patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Childhood Headache Disorders

Background:

  • Chronic recurrent headaches are prevalent in children.
  • Migraine and muscle contraction headaches are the most common types in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the classification and management of chronic recurrent headaches in children.
  • To emphasize the generally favorable prognosis and appropriate diagnostic/treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical history and physical examination are primary diagnostic tools.
  • Laboratory studies are reserved for cases with concerning accompanying signs or symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Migraine and muscle contraction headaches are common pediatric headache types.
  • Reassurance regarding the benign nature and favorable prognosis can alleviate anxiety and headache.
  • Symptomatic analgesics and behavioral therapy are often sufficient treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic recurrent headaches in children are typically benign with a favorable long-term outlook.
  • Accurate diagnosis through history and physical exam guides appropriate management.
  • While often manageable with conservative measures, prophylactic pharmacotherapy may occasionally be necessary.

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