Pediatric Headaches other than Migraine

ICNC2024
Symposia: Pediatric Headaches With The Challenges of The New Normal

Pediatric Headaches other than Migraine
Farida Jan

ICNC2024
Symposia: Pediatric Headaches With The Challenges of The New Normal

Pediatric Headaches other than Migraine
Farida Jan

Headaches can broadly be divided in children into primary and secondary headaches. The types of primary headaches found in children are almost the same as those found in adults. Most common primary headaches are migraine headaches, tension type headaches and cluster headaches. Tension type headaches (TTHs) are the most common headache type in children with some studies reporting a prevalence more than 45%; The ICHD-3 beta sub classifies TTHs as infrequent less than 12/year; frequent 1-15/month; and chronic more than 15 /month. The classification and semiology is opposite to migraine but in children it is difficult to classify. Secondary headaches need to be ruled out. Management of TTHs need acute or abortive therapy; preventive therapy when frequent and requires life style modification. Medications similar to migraine management are used along with behavioral interventions, coping skills and stress management. Cluster headaches, much less common than migraine and TTHs, occurs in a specific location in a series lasting weeks or months which might recur yearly. Other associated symptoms are there as well which can be labelled as autonomic dysfunction. More common after 10 years of age, exact cause unknown but dehydration, cigarette smoke, allergies, smog and loud noises can be contributing factors. Oxygen therapy can help if started with the start of episode, besides medicines used in other type of headaches and steroids.

Other Lectures in this Symposium
Chronic headaches in children and adolescents: Dilemma in diagnosis and management