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Primary headaches in children: clinical findings on the association with other conditions

P Pavone1, R Rizzo, I Conti

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy. ppavone@unict.it

International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Primary headaches in children are not linked to most common comorbidities like asthma or sleep issues. However, a significant association was found between childhood primary headaches and anxiety and depression.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Primary headaches are common in children, but their associated comorbidities require further investigation.
  • Previous research suggests potential links between headaches and various conditions, though evidence in pediatric populations is mixed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of comorbidities in children with primary headaches.
  • To investigate associations between primary headaches and conditions such as asthma, allergic disorders, sleep disorders, obesity, and psychiatric conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A consecutive sample of 280 children (aged 4-14) with primary headaches was enrolled.
  • Interviews with children and parents gathered data on associated conditions.
  • Psycho-diagnostic scales assessed anxiety, depression, ADHD, tics, learning disabilities, and OCD.
  • A control group of 280 age-, sex-, race-, and socio-economic status-matched children was used.

Main Results:

  • No significant associations were found between primary headaches and asthma, allergic disorders, convulsive episodes, sleep disorders, or increased body weight.
  • Overall behavioral disorders were more prevalent in children with headaches compared to controls.
  • A significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between primary headaches and anxiety and depression.

Conclusions:

  • Primary headaches in children are not significantly associated with most investigated psychiatric and systemic conditions.
  • Childhood primary headaches show a significant association with anxiety and depression, mirroring findings in adult populations.

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