Korean J Pediatr.  2018 Nov;61(11):355-361. 10.3345/kjp.2018.06331.

Clinical manifestations of headache in children younger than 7 years

• Kang BS
• Lee J
• Choi JH
• Kwon HH
• Kang JW

• KMID: 2433703
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2018.06331

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.

Keyword

Headache; Child; Migraine

MeSH Terms

Acetaminophen
Amitriptyline
Brain
Child*
Diagnosis
Electroencephalography
Female
Headache*
Humans
Ibuprofen
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Migraine Disorders
Naproxen
Tension-Type Headache
Visual Analog Scale
Acetaminophen
Amitriptyline
Ibuprofen
Naproxen