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Multicenter study of childhood headache
P Ferrari1, G Incorpora, M Cocuzza
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Modena, Italy.
Insights
This study on childhood headaches found migraine symptoms more severe in children. Most primary headaches improve spontaneously, with prevention rarely needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Childhood headaches are common but require standardized study methods.
- The International Headache Society classification provides diagnostic criteria.
- Previous studies may lack homogeneity in data collection for pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze clinical characteristics and outcomes of headaches in children aged 4-12.
- To compare migraine presentations with other headache types in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the necessity of preventive treatments for childhood primary headaches.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study involving 600 children (4-12 years old) diagnosed with headache.
- Utilized standardized computerized case sheets for data collection.
- Followed International Headache Society diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Migraine presentations and follow-up were more severe than other headaches in children.
- Phono-photophobia, pallor, drowsiness, and abdominal pains were prevalent associated symptoms.
- No specific neurological or neurovegetative symptom sequence was observed at headache onset.
Conclusions:
- Childhood primary headaches often show spontaneous improvement.
- Preventive treatment for childhood headaches should be reserved for rare, specific cases.
- Focus on acute attack management is appropriate given the typical course.
Abstract:
This multicenter study reports the results obtained between 1990 and 1991 by the Study Group for Childhood Headache of the Italian Neuropediatric Society. Standardized computerized case sheets were used in order to increase the number of young patients studied and obtain more homogeneous results. A clinical diagnosis of headache was made in 600 patients (314 female and 286 male) between 4 and 12 years of age, in accordance with the classification set down by the International Headache Society. Clinical symptoms and follow-up were more severe in children with migraine as opposed to headache. No sequence of associated neurological and neurovegetative symptoms was observed at onset of headache, and some (phono-photophobia, pallor, drowsiness, abdominal pains) were much more prevalent than others. Because of the patient's age we studied only the treatment of acute attack and did not take account of chronic treatment. In childhood the clinical course of primary headache tends to improve spontaneously, and we believe that prevention of headache attacks should be carried out only in very rare individual cases.