Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 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

Recurrent and chronic headaches in children below 6 years of age

Vincenzo Raieli1, Mario Eliseo, Eleonora Pandolfi

  • 1Child Headache Center, Division of Child Neuropsychiatry, GF Ingrassia Hospital, A.U.S.L. n. 6, Palermo, Italy. vinzi.raielk@inwind.it

The Journal of Headache and Pain
|December 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

In young children under 6, migraine is the most common headache. However, secondary causes and dangerous headaches are more prevalent than in older children, with primary stabbing headache also being common.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Headache diagnosis in pre-school children presents unique challenges.
  • Understanding headache subtypes in this age group is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of headache subtypes in children under 6 years old.
  • To compare headache prevalence in this group with school-aged children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records of children under 6 years old.
  • Headache classification based on International Headache Society (IHS) criteria (2004).
  • Exclusion criteria included fewer than three headache attacks or less than 15 days of daily headache.

Main Results:

  • Migraine was the most frequent diagnosis (35.2%).
  • Higher prevalence of secondary headaches, including post-traumatic (17.1%) and dangerous headaches (2.85%), was observed compared to school-aged children.
  • Primary stabbing headache showed a high prevalence in this age group (12.4%).

Conclusions:

  • Migraine is common in pre-schoolers, but secondary and dangerous headaches are more frequent than in older children.
  • Post-traumatic headaches and primary stabbing headaches are notable in this young population.
  • Early diagnosis and management are essential for potentially serious headache conditions in young children.

More Related Videos

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
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...
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...
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...