Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics

The Korean Pediatric Society (대한소아청소년과학회)
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Clinical manifestations of headache in children younger than 7 years

  • Kang, Bu Seon (Department of Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Jinsun (Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine) ;
  • Choi, Jin Hyuk (Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kwon, Hyeok Hee (Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Kang, Joon Won (Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2018.02.12
  • Accepted : 2018.07.16
  • Published : 2018.11.15
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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, $5.5{\pm}1.0years$). Mean symptom duration was $5.8{\pm}7.9months$. 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 $15.1{\pm}10.6$ times per month. Pain locations and characteristics were also variable. Mean pain severity score was $5.1{\pm}2.2$ 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.

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References

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