Headache in children

Headaches are common in children. The incidence is not known but may range from 20% to 70%, which is similar to that found in adults. Most headaches in children are consistent with migraines and very few children with chronic headaches have an intracranial process that requires intervention. However, certain conditions, such as an acute onset of severe headache, require workup, including imaging of the brain. Headaches tend to be a chronic ongoing problem and the first plan in therapy is an understanding by the patient of the syndrome and the aggravating factors. Only after this is done should medications be initiated. Chronic treatment of migraine cannot be performed in the emergency room.