Clinical Manifestations of Headache in Children Younger Than 7 Years

Overview

Journal Korean J Pediatr

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2018 Oct 12

PMID 30304907

Citations 2

Authors

Bu Seon Kang

Jinsun Lee

Jin Hyuk Choi

Hyeok Hee Kwon

Joon Won Kang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Headache is a common symptom during childhood. It is usually persistent and requires special care. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of headache in children <7 years of age.

Methods: We reviewed 3 years of clinical files on children <7 years of age with a chief complaint of headache.

Results: This study included 146 children (66 males, 80 females; mean age, 5.5±1.0 years). Mean symptom duration was 5.8±7.9 months. Attack durations were longer than 2 hours in 31 patients, shorter than 2 hours in 70 patients, and unchecked in 45 patients. Attack frequency was 15.1±10.6 times per month. Pain locations and characteristics were also variable. Mean pain severity score was 5.1±2.2 on the visual analog scale. Of 38 patients who underwent electroencephalography, 9 showed positive findings. Of 41 who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, 20 showed positive findings. The diagnoses were migraine (including probable migraine) in 34, tension-type headache in 5, and congenital malformations in 3. Medications were used in 29 patients: acetaminophen in 17, ibuprofen in 8, naproxen sodium in 1, and topiramate or amitriptyline in 3.

Conclusion: In children aged <7 years, headache has a relatively benign course, but detailed history taking is needed for more accurate diagnosis.

Citing Articles

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Alsaad A Cureus. 2024; 16(9):e70060.

PMID: 39449896 PMC: 11499728. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70060.

The clinical characteristics of primary headache and associated factors in children: A retrospective descriptive study.

Al Momani M, Almomani B, Masri A Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021; 65:102374.

PMID: 34026104 PMC: 8121873. DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102374.

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