Pattern of Recurrent Pediatric Headache

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to provide detailed information about clinical characteristics and short-term treatment outcome of childhood headache. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was done over a period of 15 months (January 2013 to March 2014) at a rural tertiary care center in North India. Detailed history, clinical examination, specialty review, and follow-up details were maintained on pretested structured proforma. Final diagnosis of headache type was made as per International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. Results: Out of 100 (45 boys) children aged 8–18 years, 52% were diagnosed with migraine, 23% with tension-type headache, and 25% with secondary headache. Diffuse headache was the commonest (41%), and photophobia, phonophobia, and dizziness were the commonest symptoms in all headache subtypes. Sixty-five percentage of migraine headache were triggered by exertion. Lack of sleep and anxiety were triggers in most (65%) of tension type headache. Of 52 migraine children, 21 were started on prophylaxis for migraine and 14 of them reported significant improvement. Secondary causes for headache were found in 25% of children and half of them were having refractive errors. Conclusions: Results of the study show migraine being the commonest type of headache in children followed by secondary headache. This study also highlights the need for long-term follow-up of childhood headache.