Migraine and Headache in Children

Author(s):  
Jessica Klein ◽  
Christopher Oakley

Headache is the number one reason for referral to a pediatric neurologist, and these children report a quality of life similar to children with cancer and arthritis; therefore this concern warrants particular attention to accurately diagnose, evaluate, and treat. Of the primary headache disorders, tension is the most common, whereas migraine is often the most disabling. Other examples of childhood headaches include migraine precursors, cluster, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, and neuralgias. The aim of this chapter is to define migraine and other primary headache disorders of childhood, discuss the neurobiology of headache, and review clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment.

Cephalalgia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norazah Abu Bakar ◽  
Surat Tanprawate ◽  
Giorgio Lambru ◽  
Mariam Torkamani ◽  
Marjan Jahanshahi ◽  
...  

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is emerging as an important element of clinical research in primary headache disorders, allowing a measure of the impact of headache on patients’ well-being and daily life. A better understanding of this may contribute to improved resource allocations and treatment approaches. Objective The objective of this study is to review available data on HRQoL in primary headache disorders and identify any influencing factors. Methods Database searches including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE were performed. Studies that investigated HRQoL in patients with primary headache disorders were included and reviewed. Trials that evaluated the efficacy of medications or interventions were excluded. Results A total of 80 articles were included in the review. Both physical and emotional/mental aspects of HRQoL were impaired across headache subtypes, although the extent varied depending on headache type. A number of factors influencing HRQoL were also identified. Conclusion This narrative review suggests that headache, particularly in its chronic form, has a great impact on HRQoL. Clinical practice should not solely focus on pain alleviation but rather adopt routine assessment of HRQoL. Furthermore, identification and management of associated psychological comorbidities, which can significantly influence HRQoL in headache sufferers, are essential for optimal clinical management.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Totzeck ◽  
Hans-Christoph Diener ◽  
Charly Gaul

Introduction The trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) subsume four primary headache disorders. Hemicrania continua is increasingly regarded as an additional TAC. In rare cases patients may present with two different TACs or a TAC and hemicrania continua. Cases We report four patients with two different TACs or one TAC and hemicrania continua. Two patients presented with cluster headache and paroxysmal hemicrania, one patient with cluster headache and hemicrania continua, and one patient suffered from cluster headache and SUNCT. Discussion While the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II) proposes specific diagnostic criteria, the variability of clinical presentation may make clear diagnosis difficult. All patients fulfilled the ICHD-II criteria. The manifestation of two different TACs or hemicrania continua in one patient is uncommon but possible and should be taken into account especially when chronic headache patients present with changing headache symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasem Yousef Al-Hashel ◽  
Raed Alroughani ◽  
Sameera Shuaibi ◽  
Abdelrahman AlAshqar ◽  
Fajer AlHamdan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary headache disorders have being increasingly reported in younger populations. They can have significant effects on their quality of life and academic achievement and may cause significant distress to their families. Aims and Objectives To assess the burden of primary headache disorder and its impact on the quality of life on school student in Kuwait. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among Kuwaiti primary and middle school students of both genders in randomly selected schools located in two governorates in 2018/2019 academic year. Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents was used to assess the impact of primary headaches on the quality of life. Results 1091 questionnaires were completed by primary and middle school students of both genders; of whom 466 students (girls 321 (68.88%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorders with mean age 11.98 + 2.03 years. In the month prior to the survey, the effect of the headache was variable. The students lost a mean of 1.99 + 2.015 days of school while they could not perform their usual activities for a mean of 2.84 + 4.28 days. Their parents lost a mean of 2 + 2.03 days of work because of headaches of their children and parents prohibited 5.7% of the students to engage in any activity due to their headaches. Difficulties in concentrations were reported as never sometimes (39.1%), often (24.8%), and always (26%). Majority of the students (?%) experienced a feeling of sadness ranging from sometimes to always. Most of the students (?%) struggled to cope with the headache and 22.4% were never able to cope. Additionally, 19.4% of students reported they did not want others noticing their headache. Conclusion Primary headache disorder can have a significant impact on the quality of life in children. It can affect their engagement in activities and academic achievement. Implementing strategies to properly manage schoolchildren with primary headaches can have profound effects on their quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos E Restrepo-Garces

Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC) pose a significant challenge for pain physicians. Despite being part of the primary headache disorders, they are uncommon in the general population. Although the literature commonly describes pharmacological management, in refractory patients, interventional pain modalities may be necessary .


Cephalalgia ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1082-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colette Andrée ◽  
Michel Vaillant ◽  
Jessica Barre ◽  
Zaza Katsarava ◽  
Jose Miguel Lainez ◽  
...  

We developed a 103-item self-reporting questionnaire to assess the burden of primary headache disorders on those affected by them, including headache characteristics, associated disability, co-morbidities, disease-management and quality of life. We validated the questionnaire in five languages with 426 participants (131 in UK, 60 in Italy, 107 in Spain, 83 in Germany/Austria, and 45 in France). After a linguistic and a face-content validation, we tested the questionnaire for comprehensibility, internal consistency and test–retest reliability at an interval of one month. In the different countries, response rates were between 73% and 100%. Test–retest reliability varied between –0.27 to 1.0 depending of the nature of the expected agreement. The internal consistency was between 0.69 and 0.91. The EUROLIGHT questionnaire is suitable for evaluating the burden of primary headache disorders, and can be used in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.


2021 ◽  
pp. 884-891
Author(s):  
Juliana H. VanderPluym ◽  
Rashmi B. Halker Singh

Primary headache disorders are those in which the predominant clinical feature is headache that is not caused by or attributed to another disorder. This chapter reviews the common primary headache disorders of migraine, tension-type headache, and chronic daily headache. The present chapter reviews less common primary headache disorders, such as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and headaches with certain triggers. A careful history, physical examination, and additional testing are often necessary to rule out a secondary cause.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 575
Author(s):  
Graziella Orrù ◽  
Davide Bertelloni ◽  
Francesca Diolaiuti ◽  
Federico Mucci ◽  
Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe ◽  
...  

Background: Emerging aspects of the Covid-19 clinical presentation are its long-term effects, which are characteristic of the so-called “long COVID”. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of physical, psychological, and sleep disturbances and the quality of life in the general population during the ongoing pandemic. Methods: This study, based on an online survey, collected demographic data, information related to COVID-19, sleep disturbances, and quality of life data from 507 individuals. The level of sleep disturbances and quality of life was assessed through the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), respectively. Results: In total, 507 individuals (M = 91 and F = 416 women) completed the online survey. The main symptoms associated with “long COVID” were headache, fatigue, muscle aches/myalgia, articular pains, cognitive impairment, loss of concentration, and loss of smell. Additionally, the subjects showed significant levels of insomnia (p < 0.05) and an overall reduced quality of life (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the study appear in line with recent publications, but uncertainty regarding the definition and specific features of “long COVID” remains. Further studies are needed in order to better define the clinical presentation of the “long COVID” condition and related targeted treatments.


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