Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 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 headache, medication overuse, and obesity in children and adolescents

Ann Pakalnis1, Donna Kring

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. ann.pakalnis@nationwidechildrens.org

Journal of Child Neurology
|September 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric headache patients show higher rates of overweight compared to the general population. However, obesity was not linked to increased chronic migraine or medication overuse in children, unlike in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing concern in children and adults.
  • Adult studies link obesity to chronic daily headaches and more severe migraines.
  • Pediatric studies suggest obesity may increase headache frequency and disability in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and headache characteristics in a pediatric population.
  • To compare the prevalence of overweight in children with headaches to population norms.
  • To examine associations between obesity, medication overuse, and specific headache types in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 925 children treated at a Pediatric Headache Clinic (July 2004-July 2008).
  • Assessment of headache frequency, medication overuse, and body mass index (BMI).
  • Comparison of BMI data to population-based norms.

Main Results:

  • The pediatric headache cohort had a higher percentage of overweight individuals than the general population.
  • A higher prevalence of overweight was observed in the subgroup with chronic tension-type headache.
  • No increased incidence of overweight was found in children with medication overuse or chronic migraine.

Conclusions:

  • Children with headaches, particularly chronic tension-type headache, are more likely to be overweight.
  • Unlike adult findings, childhood obesity was not associated with increased chronic migraine or medication overuse.
  • Further research is needed to understand the differing obesity-headache relationships in pediatric versus adult populations.

More Related Videos

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior Using Light Aversion in Mice05:23

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior Using Light Aversion in Mice

Published on: August 11, 2021

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

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.
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
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...
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...