Headaches in children

David H Rubin1, Stacey A Suecoff, Kelly G Knupp

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, St Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, NY 10457, USA. david_rubin@stbarnabas-ny.org

Pediatric Annals
|May 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A thorough headache evaluation in children is crucial for diagnosing serious conditions. This includes detailed history, exams, and imaging, with mandatory follow-up for effective pediatric headache management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Headaches are a common pediatric complaint.
  • Some life-threatening conditions can initially present as headaches.
  • Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the essential components for evaluating and managing pediatric headaches.
  • To emphasize the importance of early and accurate diagnosis.
  • To highlight the need for ongoing patient follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed headache history taking.
  • Comprehensive physical and neurological examinations.
  • Ophthalmologic examinations.
  • Neuroimaging studies when indicated.

Main Results:

  • A systematic approach to pediatric headache evaluation is outlined.
  • The necessity of detailed patient history and examinations is stressed.
  • The role of neuroimaging and close follow-up is emphasized.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive evaluation, including history, physical, neurological, and ophthalmologic exams, is vital for pediatric headaches.
  • Neuroimaging and close follow-up are mandatory for effective management.
  • Co-existing chronic conditions should be considered in pediatric headache patients.

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