Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Headaches are prevalent in children, with over 280 types identified.
• Primary headaches like migraine, tension-type headaches (TTH), and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) are common.
• Atherosclerosis predisposition factors are clinically significant in headache pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on potential markers of atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation associated with primary headaches in children.
• To explore the link between obesity, lipid metabolism disorders, and childhood headaches.
• To discuss emerging risk factors for atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation in the context of primary headaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on childhood headaches, atherosclerosis, and related biomarkers.
• Analysis of studies investigating the influence of obesity and adiponectin on headache incidence.
• Examination of controversial findings regarding novel risk factors such as BDNF, sCD40L, serpin E1/PAI I, and VEGF.

Main Results:

• Obesity is a well-established risk factor for headaches in children, increasing migraine risk.
• Idiopathic headaches, especially migraine, may indicate early signs of lipid metabolism disorders and atherosclerosis.
• Adiponectin levels are implicated in both obesity and headaches.
• The roles of BDNF, sCD40L, serpin E1/PAI I, and VEGF as risk factors are still under investigation with inconsistent results.

Conclusions:

• Childhood primary headaches, particularly migraines, may serve as early indicators of atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism dysfunction.
• Obesity and adiponectin are significant factors linking metabolic health to headaches.
• Further research is needed to clarify the controversial roles of novel biomarkers in the pathogenesis of childhood headaches and atherosclerosis.