Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias in Children and Adolescents: Cluster Headache and Related Conditions

Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder that can occur in children and adolescents, and is a member of the broader diagnostic group of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. It is characterized by repeated attacks typically lasting between 15 and 180 minutes of severe unilateral side-locked headache with cranial autonomic features. Acute treatment of the cluster attack can include the use of triptans or high-flow oxygen. Preventive measures typically start with the use of verapamil. The other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with cranial autonomic features (SUNAA), have also been reported in children, and should be considered when the clinical presentation is at all unusual.