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Updated: Sep 16, 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

Headaches in childhood

R R Hanson1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216.

Seminars in Neurology
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Childhood headaches are common, often indicating migraine, not serious illness. Evaluation and treatment mirror adult approaches, with careful diagnosis to distinguish migraine from seizures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Headache Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood headache is a prevalent clinical issue.
  • Evaluation and treatment strategies are largely comparable to adult cases, with age-specific diagnostic considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for childhood headaches.
  • To differentiate common childhood headaches, primarily migraine, from serious intracranial conditions and seizure disorders.
  • To discuss uncommon migraine variants specific to children.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation methods based on illness timeline and pathophysiological factors.
  • Differential diagnosis, focusing on distinguishing migraine from seizures.
  • Review of current literature and clinical experience for treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Most chronic recurrent headaches in children are migraines.
  • Close follow-up (4-6 months) aids diagnosis when uncertainty exists.
  • Specific migraine variants and their diagnostic challenges in children are presented.

Conclusions:

  • Migraine is the most frequent diagnosis for chronic recurrent headaches in childhood.
  • Accurate differentiation from seizures is crucial, guided by history and associated symptoms.
  • Treatment should consider the natural course of migraine, with many cases improving spontaneously.

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