Headache in children

Question 1

epidemiology

Answer 1

up to 50 per cent of 7-year-olds and up to 80 per cent of 15-year-old have experienced at least one headache

equally as common in boys/girls until puberty then strong (3:1) female preponderance

Question 2

What is the most common cause of primary headache in children?

Answer 2

migraine without aura

Question 3

Acute management of migraine without aura

Answer 3

Ibuprofen

Triptans > 12 years - nasal spray

oral triptans not licensed for < 18 years

Question 4

side effects of triptans

Answer 4

tingling, heat and heaviness/pressure sensations

Question 5

prophylaxis of migraine

Answer 5

Pizotifen - 1st line

Propranolol - 1st line

Valporate - 2nd line

Topiramate - 2nd line

Amitryptilline - 2nd line

Question 6

What is the second most common cause of headache in kids?

Answer 6

Tension headache