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[Prevalence and features of headache and migraine in childhood]
1Unitat de Neuropediatria, Consorci Hospitalari Parc Tauli, Barcelona, España. josepart@valser.es
Insights
A study found that 42% of children experience headaches (cephalea), with 8.7% diagnosed with migraine. Migraine is more common in girls and often runs in families, impacting children's daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Childhood headaches (cephalea) are a common concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of pediatric migraine is crucial for effective management.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of cephalea and migraine in children aged 3-14 years.
- To identify associated symptoms, familial patterns, and factors influencing medical consultation for childhood headaches.
Summary:
- A study of children aged 3-14 revealed a 42% prevalence of cephalea and an 8.7% prevalence of migraine (Vahlquist criteria).
- Migraine was more common in girls, frequently associated with family history, and characterized by symptoms like unilateral pain, nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia.
- Headache frequency and type significantly influenced the decision to seek medical assistance.
Impact:
- Provides epidemiological data on childhood headaches and migraine.
- Highlights the importance of considering family history and specific symptoms in diagnosing pediatric migraine.
- Informs healthcare providers about the significant impact of headaches on children's lives and healthcare utilization.
Introduction:
A study of the prevalence of childhood cephalea has been carried on.
Material And Methods:
We studied a sample of children aged from 3 to 14 years old that consulted to different public health services clinics for control routine. We used an interview based in a questionnaire planned to be answered by parents and the child himself.
Results And Conclusions:
The more relevant results were: 1. Prevalence of cephalea 42%; 2. Prevalence of migraine according to Vahlquist and Kurtz criteria: 8.7% and 6.5% respectively (confidence intervals between 4.4% and 11.1%); 3. Higher proportion of girls for both cephalea and migraine; 4. Higher frequency of cephalea and the migraine type headache are facts related to the decision of seeking medical assistance; 5. 87% of children with migraine from the sample have relatives with intermittent cephalea; 6. Patients selected as having migraine, according to Vahlquist criteria, have the following predominant symptoms: Unilateral condition, vomiting/ nausea, improving with sleep, photophobia, phonophobia, changes in physical facial appearance, need to interrupt activities, pulsation quality, and visual aura.