Headaches.
OBJECTIVE
Headaches and migraine occur frequently in children and adolescents and may have a significant impact on the child's and parents' lives. Recent advances in diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment have improved the outcomes of children with headaches. This review summarizes some of these findings.


RESULTS
Recent studies have revealed the increasing incidence of migraine and chronic migraine in the pediatric and adolescent age groups. These studies have also begun to identify comorbidities that may affect the impact over a lifetime. Limitations of the diagnosis of migraine have restricted some of these findings, but modifications to the criteria may assist with early recognition. Proper evaluation and treatment, including acute, preventive, and biobehavioral therapies, may need to be incorporated for optimal outcomes. Long-term outcomes may be determined by the underlying pathophysiology as well as early effective management.


CONCLUSIONS
Migraine in children is increasingly being recognized as a problem. Early, effective treatment is available and may result in long-term benefit and prevent disease progression. Further research into childhood headaches should help reveal additional pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment options.
Hershey
Andrew D
AD
Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA. Andrew.hershey@chmcc.org
Winner
Paul
P
Kabbouche
Marielle A
MA
Powers
Scott W
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D006261:Headache / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D020325:Migraine with Aura / Q000175:diagnosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists