Pediatric-Onset Extracephalic Stabbing Pain

Abstract

Idiopathic stabbing headache is a primary headache defined as "transient stabs of pain in the head that occur spontaneously in the absence of underlying organic disease." Although its variant form, stabbing pain with extracephalic distribution, has been reported in rare adult cases, pediatric presentation is extremely rare. We report an 8-year-old boy suffering from severe stabbing pain in the left side of the chest, right side of the abdomen, and right knee lasting 2 to 3 minutes with increasing frequency. He was completely normal between attacks. The attack was not accompanied with headache initially. Investigation showed no abnormality. A diagnosis of extracephalic stabbing pain was made. The patient's symptoms were ameliorated by administration of valproic acid. This report illustrates that extracephalic stabbing pain can occur in pediatric patients. It is important to be aware of this peculiar condition because the pain is so severe, and it can be treatable with medication.