Tension-Type Headache in Children and Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Headache Medicine
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Tension-type headache (TTH) is a highly prevalent primary headache disorder in children.
• Diagnosis of TTH in pediatric populations is often underestimated, leading to significant diagnostic challenges.
• Clinical presentation of TTH in children can overlap with migraine and secondary headaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature on the differential diagnosis of TTH in pediatric patients.
• To explore the outcomes and evolution of TTH during childhood and adolescence.
• To outline appropriate therapeutic strategies for pediatric TTH.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of prospective and long-term studies on juvenile headaches.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis approaches for TTH in children.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding TTH outcomes and treatment options.

Main Results:

• TTH diagnosis in children faces challenges due to underestimation and overlap with other headache types.
• Factors like hormonal changes, triggers, and genetics influence headache evolution.
• Long-term studies investigate the trajectories of juvenile TTH and migraine, including transitions between forms.

Conclusions:

• Tension-type headache in children is a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management.
• Appropriate therapeutic strategies are recommended for pediatric TTH.