Pediatric Headache Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Headache disorders are common in children and adolescents.
• Established links exist between headaches, stress, and routine disruptions.
• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered daily life, potentially impacting pediatric health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pediatric primary headache disorder patient experiences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess changes in headache frequency, severity, and lifestyle factors.
• To evaluate the impact of the pandemic on mood and screen use in pediatric headache patients.

Main Methods:

• A patient registry was utilized at a pediatric Headache Clinic.
• 107 patients with primary headache disorders were enrolled.
• A questionnaire assessed changes in headache characteristics and lifestyle factors post-pandemic onset.

Main Results:

• 55% of patients reported decreased physical activity.
• Chronic headache frequency increased from 40% to 50%; constant daily headaches rose from 22% to 36%.
• Anxiety (54%), mood (47%), and workload (46%) worsened; 61% used screens >6 hours daily for school.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased headache frequency, anxiety, and screen time in pediatric patients.
• Decreased physical activity and worsened mood were also observed.
• Further population-based studies are needed to fully understand the pandemic's impact on pediatric headaches.