Abstract
Pediatric headache is a common condition with significant impact on quality of life
and ability to function in academic, social, and extracurricular activities. Most
pediatric patients seen in primary care and neurology clinics with headache have primary
headache disorders. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical history. Imaging is rarely
needed in the absence of red flag features. Careful diagnosis is important to guide
appropriate treatment. Treatment focuses on a biopsychosocial model integrating lifestyle,
pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment modalities. As few therapies are approved
in the pediatric population, treatments are often used off-label based on evidence
extrapolated from adult studies. Outcomes vary over time but are generally favorable
when headache disorders are diagnosed promptly and managed in a multidisciplinary
setting.
Keywords
pediatric headache - pediatric migraine - episodic migraine - cognitive behavioral
therapy - neuromodulation
