Approach to the Diagnosis of Pediatric Headache

Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2021 Dec:40:100920. doi: 10.1016/j.spen.2021.100920. Epub 2021 Sep 3.

Abstract

Headache in children and adolescents is a common symptom that can be worrisome to patients, their parents and clinicians due to the myriad of underlying etiologies, both benign and life-threatening. The evaluation of headache must be directed primarily to exclude secondary causes. A detailed headache history, recognition of headache patterns and red flags and thorough physical and neurological examinations are essential in the diagnosis; and identifies patients requiring further workup. Considerations for neuroimaging and ancillary testing are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Headache* / diagnosis
  • Headache* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Neuroimaging*
  • Neurologic Examination