Headaches in children

Question 1

What are the common headaches in children?

Answer 1

(Most common) Migraine without aura

Second most common) Tension-type headache (TTH

Question 2

What are the clinical features of migraine headaches in children?

Answer 2

lasting 4-72 hours
bilateral or unilateral (frontal/temporal) location
pulsating quality
moderate to severe intensity
aggravated by routine physical activity
nausea and/or vomiting
photophobia and phonophobia

Question 3

What is the management of migraine headaches in children?

Answer 3

ibuprofen
triptans (e.g. sumatriptan) may be used in children > 12 years
(prophylaxis) pizotifen, propranolol

Question 4

What are the clinical features of tension type headaches in children?

Answer 4

lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days
pressing/tightening (non/pulsating) quality
mild or moderate intensity (may inhibit but does not prohibit activity)
bilateral location
no aggravation by routine physical activity
no nausea or vomiting
photophobia and phonophobia