Headache Diagnosis in Children and Adolescents

Examining the Impact of Puberty on Primary Headache Disorders in Female Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction and aim Headaches are one of the most prevalent childhood disorders. Primary and secondary headaches are the two types of headaches affecting kids and teenagers. The three most typical primary headache forms are tension-type headaches (TTH), migraine, and cluster headaches. This study sought to determine the relationship between puberty and types of headaches. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to July 31, among female schoolchildren aged between eight and 15 years in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Respondents were recruited through face-to-face interviews. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized, mainly consisting of demographic data and questions related to diagnosing and managing the impact of puberty in girls on the prevalence of primary headache disorder. Results In total, 481 female schoolchildren were interviewed, mostly between 13 and 15 years old (65.9%). Last year prevalence of headaches was 65.5%, with a significant difference among those who lived in Dhahran (p=0.001) and those with a family history of headaches (p<0.001). The most common type of headache was frequent TTH (16.4%) and chronic TTH (16%). Chronic TTH (p<0.001), frequent TTH (p<0.001), and migraine without aura (p=0.005) were significantly more common among the older age groups.  Conclusion There was a high prevalence of headaches among female schoolchildren, with frequent TTH and chronic TTH being the most common. Furthermore, increasing age was associated with an increasing risk for chronic TTH, frequent TTH, and migraine headaches without aura. More epidemiological studies are necessary to determine the underlying causes of headaches among schoolchildren.

Global, regional, and national epidemiology of migraine and tension-type headache in youths and young adults aged 15-39 years from 1990 to 2019: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019

BACKGROUND

In recent years, headache disorders have garnered significant attention as a pressing global health issue. This concern is especially pronounced in low- to middle-income countries and exhibits a notable increase in prevalence among adolescents and young adults. Such a surge in these disorders has invariably diminished the quality of life for affected individuals. Despite its global impact, comprehensive studies exploring the ramifications of headache disorders in the younger population remain scant. Our study endeavored to quantify the global prevalence of headache disorders in individuals between the ages of 15 and 39, over a three-decade span from 1990 to 2019.

METHODS

Our study, conducted from 1990 to 2019, evaluated the impact of headache disorders, specifically migraines and tension-type headaches (TTH), in 204 different countries and territories. This comprehensive assessment included a detailed analysis of incidence rates, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across various demographics such as age, gender, year, geographical location, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI).

RESULTS

In 2019, there were an estimated 581,761,847.2 migraine cases globally (95% UI: 488,309,998.1 to 696,291,713.7), marking a 16% increase from 1990. Concurrently, TTH cases numbered at 964,808,567.1 (95% UI: 809,582,531.8 to 1,155,235,337.2), reflecting a 37% rise since 1990. South Asia reported the highest migraine prevalence with 154,490,169.8 cases (95% UI: 130,296,054.6 to 182,464,065.6). High SDI regions exhibited the most substantial migraine prevalence rates both in 1990 (22,429 per 100,000 population) and 2019 (22,606 per 100,000 population). Among the five SDI classifications, the middle SDI region recorded the highest tally of TTH cases in both 1990 (210,136,691.6 cases) and 2019 (287,577,250 cases). Over the past 30 years, East Asia experienced the most pronounced surge in the number of migraine cases. On the whole, there was a discernible positive correlation between the disease burden of migraine and TTH and the SDI.

CONCLUSION

Migraine and TTH represent formidable challenges in global health. The intensity of their impact exhibits marked disparities across nations and is distinctly elevated among women, individuals within the 30-39 age bracket, and populations characterized by a high SDI. The results of our research emphasize the imperative of assimilating migraine and TTH management into contemporary healthcare paradigms. Such strategic integration holds the potential to amplify public cognizance regarding pertinent risk factors and the spectrum of therapeutic interventions at hand.

MRI findings in children with migraine or tension-type headache

PURPOSE

Migraine and tension-type headache are common primary headaches in children. There is a risk of developing secondary headache in children. The current study was aimed to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging findings (MRI) in children with migraine or tension-type headache.

METHODS

The study was planned in children with migraine or tension-type headaches who have been followed up in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic with regular office visits for at least two years and had neuroimaging in the last year.

RESULTS

280 patients (187 female patients) datas were studied. 91 (61 female patients) were followed up with the diagnosis of migraine and 189 (126 female patients) with the diagnosis of tension-type headaches. The age of patients was found to be 13.1 ± 3.4 years. Brain tumor was found in one child with tension-type headache who had papilledema. Incidental MRI findings found 7.7% and 12.7% in migraine and tension-type headache, respectively. MRI findings in the study were arachnoid cyst (14), pituitary adenoma (6), mega cisterna magna (6), pineal cyst (3), non-specific gliosis (2) and tumor (1).

CONCLUSION

Arachnoid cysts were found incidental as the most common MRI finding in children with migraine or tension-type headache. The rare life-threatening secondary headache may develop in children. The fundus examination as a complement to the neurological examination can be useful for requesting MRI.

Rising trends in the burden of migraine and tension-type headache among adolescents and young adults globally, 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Headache disorders are major contributors to disability in adolescents and young adults worldwide. We aimed to analyze global trends in the burden of migraine and tension-type headache in 10 to 24-year-olds from 1990 to 2019.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 to examine trends in incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for migraine and tension-type headache in adolescents and young adults by location, age, sex and sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression analyzed trends and identified years of significant change.

RESULTS

Globally, migraine and tension-type headache incidence, prevalence, and DALYs increased from 1990 to 2019, though with some fluctuations. The highest growth in migraine incidence occurred in males and individuals aged 10-14, while for tension-type headache incidence, it was observed in males and individuals aged 20-24. Prevalence and DALYs were highest for both disorders in females and those aged 20-24 years. Incidence increased fastest in East Asia for migraine and tension-type headache. For migraine, Tropical Latin America had the fastest increase in prevalence and DALYs. East Asia had the fastest increase in prevalence of tension-type headache, while North Africa and the Middle East had the highest growth in DALYs. Some high-income countries such as Singapore, Norway, and Iran (Islamic Republic of) demonstrated fast increases, while a few countries including Qatar, Thailand and Ethiopia decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence, prevalence and disability from migraine and tension-type headache are rising in adolescents and young adults, especially in males, older youth and middle SDI populations. The increasing trends highlight the need for targeted interventions focused on prevention and control in priority populations. Continued monitoring of trends can help identify strategies to promote headache health and reduce the life-course impacts of headache disorders globally.

Genetic and environmental contributions to co-occurring physical health conditions in autism spectrum condition and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum condition and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with a range of physical health conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the etiological components contributing to co-occurring physical health conditions in autism and ADHD.

METHODS

In this nationwide Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, we analyzed data from 10,347 twin pairs aged 9 and 12. Clinical diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and physical health conditions were identified through the Swedish National Patient Register. Subclinical phenotypes of autism and ADHD were defined by symptom thresholds on a standardized parent-interview, the Autism-Tics, ADHD, and Other Comorbidities inventory. Associations between physical health conditions and autism/ADHD phenotypes were examined using generalized estimating equations. Bivariate twin models were applied to estimate the extent to which genetic and environmental risk factors accounted for physical health comorbidities.

RESULTS

Similar patterns of association with physical health conditions were found in clinical and subclinical autism/ADHD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.31 for asthma in subclinical ADHD to 8.03 for epilepsy in clinical autism. The estimated genetic correlation (r_a) with epilepsy was 0.50 for clinical autism and 0.35 for subclinical autism. In addition, a modest genetic correlation was estimated between clinical autism and constipation (r_a = 0.31), functional diarrhea (r_a = 0.27) as well as mixed gastrointestinal disorders (r_a = 0.30). Genetic effects contributed 0.86 for mixed gastrointestinal disorders in clinical ADHD (r_a = 0.21). Finally, subclinical ADHD shared genetic risk factors with epilepsy, constipation, and mixed gastrointestinal disorders (r_a = 0.30, 0.17, and 0.17, respectively).

LIMITATIONS

Importantly, since medical records from primary care were not included in the registry data used, we probably identified only more severe rather than the full range of physical health conditions. Furthermore, it needs to be considered that the higher prevalence of physical health conditions among autistic children and children with ADHD could be associated with the increased number of medical visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Shared genetic effects contribute significantly to autism and ADHD phenotypes with the co-occurring physical health conditions across different organ systems, including epilepsy and gastrointestinal disorders. The shared genetic liability with co-occurring physical health conditions was present across different levels of autism and ADHD symptom severity.

Acute care diagnostics in children for general radiologists - not alone in the hospital at night

BACKGROUND

Radiologic care for children and adolescents during night and weekend shifts is challenging. This is especially true when a dedicated pediatric radiology front or background service is not available.

METHODS

The purpose of this review is to present the approach, the most relevant diagnoses, and their differential diagnoses based on four common example cases - abdominal pain, respiratory/chest pain, headache, and refusal to walk. Essentials such as clinical classification (e. g., disease dynamics) and practical instructions (e. g., necessity of acute cross-sectional imaging) are presented.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

For the abdomen, appendicitis ranks first among acute diseases. Other important diseases are intussusception and volvulus. Far more frequently, however, gastroenteritis is the cause of abdominal pain. Usually no imaging is required in this case. In unclear clinical situations, ultrasound may be indicated. In suspected pulmonary infections, chest imaging is limited to inconclusive cases and suspicion of complications such as pleural empyema. Major emergencies include (spontaneous) pneumothorax and aspiration. Headache is a common symptom. Immediate imaging is only necessary in cases of suspected acute inflammatory (meningitis/encephalitis) or vascular disease (e. g., hemorrhage due to vascular malformations). MRI is the primary imaging modality in these cases. Restricted walking/refusal to walk is a classic nonspecific sign, particularly of acute musculoskeletal disease, especially in younger children. Clinical examination is essential to narrow down the field of investigation. Besides the frequent and symptomatic coxitis fugax, the rare but serious (septic) arthritis/osteomyelitis must not be overlooked.

KEY POINTS

· Radiological care of children and adolescents is challenging, especially during night and weekend shifts.. · However, in close cooperation with the referring colleagues/clinics, the appropriate approach can be effectively determined even if the symptoms are not clear.. · The selection of the optimal imaging method is based on guidance and guidelines, but also on the condition of the child/adolescent.. · A silent or whimpering child is cause for alarm..

CITATION FORMAT

· Beer M, Mentzel H, Steinborn M et al. Acute care diagnostics in children for general radiologists - not alone at night in the hospital. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2023; 195: 205 - 216.

Migraine and thyroid dysfunction: Co-occurrence, shared genes and biological mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Migraine and thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, are common medical conditions and are known to have high heritability. Thyroid function measures, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4), are also known to be genetically influenced. Although observational epidemiological studies report an increased co-occurrence of migraine and thyroid dysfunction, a clear and combined interpretation of the findings is currently lacking. A narrative review is provided of the epidemiological and genetic association evidence linking migraine, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid hormones TSH and fT4.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed database for epidemiological, candidate gene and genome-wide association studies using the terms migraine, headache, thyroid hormones, TSH, fT4, thyroid function, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

RESULTS

Epidemiological studies suggest a bidirectional relationship between migraine and thyroid dysfunction. However, the nature of the relationship remains unclear, with some studies suggesting migraine increases the risk for thyroid dysfunction whilst other studies suggest the reverse. Early candidate gene studies have provided nominal evidence for MTHFR and APOE, whilst more recently genome-wide association studies have provided robust evidence for THADA and ITPK1 being associated with both migraine and thyroid dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

These genetic associations improve our understanding of the genetic relationship between migraine and thyroid dysfunction, provide an opportunity to develop biomarkers to identify migraine patients most likely to benefit from thyroid hormone therapy, and indicate that further cross-trait genetic studies have excellent potential to provide biological insight into their relationship and inform clinical interventions.

Red flags Presented in Children Complaining of Headache in Paediatric Emergency Department

This study aimed to determine how common are specific red flags of life-threatening headache (LTH) among children with complaints of headache in the emergency department. A retrospective study was conducted over five years, including all patients aged < 18 years who presented for a headache to a Pediatric Emergency Department. We identified patients with life-threatening headaches and compared the recurrence of the main red flags (occipital location, vomit, nocturnal wake-up, presence of neurological signs, and family history of primary headache) to the remaining sample. Two-thousand-fifty-one children (51% female, 49% male) were included. Seven patients (0.3%) were diagnosed with a life-threatening headache. In the analysis of red flags, only the presence of abnormal neurological evaluation and vomiting was found to be more common in the LTH sample. No statistically significant difference was found for nocturnal awakening or occipital localization of pain. Urgent neuroradiological examinations were performed in 72 patients (3.5% of cases). The most common discharge diagnosis was infection-related headache (42.4%), followed by primary headaches (39.7%). This large retrospective study confirms the most recent literature suggesting that night awakenings and occipital pain are common symptoms also associated with not-LTH. Therefore, if isolated, they should not be considered red flags.

Triggers and clinical changes of childhood primary headache characteristics during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

OBJECTIVE

Children with primary headache are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of the pandemic due to factors like increased social isolation, disruption of sleep and impairment of healthy diet. We aimed to investigate the clinical changes and triggering factors for childhood primary headaches to demonstrate the impact of the pandemic lockdown.

METHOD

Children aged between 60 months and 18 years with headache complaint attending the general outpatient clinic between December 2019 and December 2020 were included in the study. Patients were classified according to ICHD-3 regarding clinical and laboratory data. Primary headaches diagnosed before (December 2019-March 2020) and during the pandemic lockdown (April 2020-December 2020) were divided into two groups as migraine and tension-type headache (TTH). Clinical picture and triggering factors were compared between groups to illustrate the effect of the lockdown.

RESULTS

The study included 612 subjects, with 463 patients (76%) classified in the primary headache group and 149 (24%) in the secondary headache group. Among the first group, 267 patients (58%) had migraine and 196 patients (42%) had TTH. Comparisons between before and during the pandemic lockdown showed significant increased frequency of TTH, but no difference in the frequency and duration of migraine. Both screen exposure and sleep pattern changes were found to be significantly increased in the TTH group during the pandemic lockdown.

DISCUSSION

We found a significant increase in the attack frequency for TTH patients during the pandemic lockdown. Reduction in screen time is an important strategy in preventing primary headache attacks in children.

Off-Label Cyproheptadine in Children and Adolescents: Psychiatric Comorbidities, Interacting Variables, Safety, and Risks of Hepatotoxicity

Cyproheptadine is a widely prescribed first-generation antihistamine, and due to its unique chemical structure, it has a popular off-label choice for a range of clinical conditions. Its efficacy is widely debated in the literature, but there are reports of hepatotoxicity as a rare adverse effect. Its benefits in migraine prophylaxis and appetite stimulation also underscore a highly overlapping clinical pathway that requires additional assessment and evaluation. The evidence suggests a baseline metabolic profile before initiation and assessment for co-occurring mental health conditions may improve overall response with evidence-based mental health interventions.

Pediatric headache: a narrative review

Headache is one of the most common neurological disorders in children and adults and can cause significant distress and disability in children and their families. The spectrum of pediatric headaches is broad, and the underlying etiology is variable. The symptoms and phenotypes of headaches in children may differ slightly from those in adults. It is important to have a good understanding of headaches in children and to distinguish between primary and secondary headaches through appropriate history assessment and neurological examination. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate drug selection are helpful for effective treatment. This article reviews headaches in children and adolescents, focusing on approaches for diagnosis and management.

New-Onset Headache and Abnormal Eye Movements in a Four-Year-Old Child: Indicators of Increased Intracranial Pressure

A four-year-old previously healthy child presented with new-onset, diffuse, severe headache, and left sixth nerve palsy. The child was evaluated at several acute care facilities, at which the symptom of "crossing eyes" was not addressed specifically. At our emergency department, on day 6 of symptoms, a left cranial nerve 6 palsy was diagnosed; on brain MRI scan, there was evidence of increased intracranial pressure (distended optic nerve sheaths, flattened posterior sclerae), which was confirmed by lumbar puncture, which showed an opening pressure of >36 cm H₂O. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) was diagnosed, and all symptoms abated with two months of treatment with acetazolamide. IIH should be considered in a child with headache and abnormal eye movements.

Headache and changes in artwork as a presentation of central venous sinus thrombosis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a common pediatric cancer diagnosis with excellent survival outcomes but significant morbidity, particularly during the induction phase of chemotherapy. Central venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a known potential complication of induction therapy; however, it occurs rarely and may be difficult to diagnose, particularly in young children who have limited verbal skills. Herein, we report a case of CVST in a child with B-cell ALL undergoing induction chemotherapy whose main symptoms were headache and a change in the appearance of his artwork noticed by his parents. This astute observation by the child's parents played a critical role in his diagnosis, allowing prompt treatment and eventual recovery.

Retrospective Evaluation of Acute Headache in Pediatric Emergency Department: Etiologies, Red Flags, and Neuroimaging

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to describe the etiologies of acute headache presenting to the pediatric emergency department, determine their clinical characteristics, the prevalence of red flag findings and neuroimaging and identify predictors of headaches because of serious intracranial diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients from 2 to 18 years of age who visited pediatric emergency department with a chief complaint of headache between January 1, 2016 and August 31, 2020 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 558 patients included in the study was 11.17±3.78 years, and 290 (52%) were female. The most common cause of acute headache was head and neck area infections (except central nervous system infections) in 355 (63.6%) patients. Forty patients (7.2%) had a headache because of serious intracranial diseases. According to binary logistic regression analysis, the findings that predicted a serious intracranial diseases were abnormal neurological physical examination [odds ratio (OR): 187.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 32.67-1076.64], recent onset or suddenly severe headache (OR: 14.41; 95% CI: 3.14-65.91), and vomiting (OR: 9.42; 95% CI: 1.90-46.63). Neuroimaging was performed in 63 (11.3%) patients, and 7 (1.25%) had a pathology requiring emergency treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of acute headaches were evaluated as secondary headache. The most common cause of acute headache was head and neck area infections. Abnormal neurological physical examination, recent onset or suddenly severe headache, and vomiting were the most useful red flags for predicting serious intracranial diseases. The requirement for neuroimaging should be evaluated individually for each patient.

Headache in idiopathic/genetic epilepsies: Cluster analysis in a large cohort

OBJECTIVES

The link between headache and epilepsy is more prominent in patients with idiopathic/genetic epilepsy (I/GE). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of headache and to cluster patients with regard to their headache and epilepsy features.

METHODS

Patients aged 6-40 years, with a definite diagnosis of I/GE, were consecutively enrolled. The patients were interviewed using standardized epilepsy and headache questionnaires and their headache characteristics were investigated by experts in headache. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed and patients were clustered according to their epilepsy and headache characteristics using an unsupervized K-means algorithm.

RESULTS

Among 809 patients, 508 (62.8%) reported having any type of headache; 87.4% had interictal headache and 41.2% had migraine. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups for both adults and children/adolescents. In adults, having a family history of headache, ≥5 headache attacks, duration of headache ≥24 months, headaches lasting ≥ 1 hour, and visual analog scale scores >5 were grouped in one cluster, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were clustered in this group (cluster 1). Self-limited epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes and epilepsy with GTCS alone were clustered in cluster 2 with the opposite characteristics. For children/adolescents, the same features as in adult cluster 1 were clustered in a separate group, except for the presence of JME syndrome and GTCS alone as a seizure type. Focal seizures were clustered in another group with the opposite characteristics. In the entire group, the model revealed an additional cluster, including patients with the syndrome of GTCS-alone (50.51%), with ≥ 5 attacks, headache lasting >4 hours, and throbbing headache; 65.66% of patients had a family history of headache in this third cluster (n=99).

SIGNIFICANCE

Patients with I/GE can be clustered into distinct groups according to headache features along with seizures. Our findings may help in management and planning for future studies.

Pediatric Headache in Primary Care and Emergency Departments: Consensus with RAND/UCLA Method

Headache is the most frequent neurological symptom in childhood and the main reason for admission to pediatric emergency departments. The aim of this consensus document is to define a shared clinical pathway between primary care pediatricians (PCP) and hospitals for the management of children presenting with headache. For the purposes of the study, a group of hospital pediatricians and a group of PCP from the Emilia Romagna’s health districts were selected to achieve consensus using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method. Thirty-nine clinical scenarios were developed: for each scenario, participants were asked to rank the appropriateness of each option from 1 to 9. Agreement was reached if ≥75% of participants ranked within the same range of appropriateness. The answers, results, and discussion helped to define the appropriateness of procedures with a low level of evidence regarding different steps of the diagnostic-therapeutic process: primary care evaluation, emergency department evaluation, hospital admission, acute therapy, prophylaxis, and follow-up. The RAND proved to be a valid method to value appropriateness of procedures and define a diagnostic-therapeutic pathway suitable to the local reality in the management of pediatric headache. From our results, some useful recommendations were developed for optimizing the healthcare professionals’ network among primary care services and hospitals.

Cranial Neuralgias in Children and Adolescents A review of the literature

Cranial neuralgias are a well-established cause of headache-related morbidity in the adult population. These disorders are poorly studied in general due to their relative rarity, particularly in children and adolescents, and they are likely underdiagnosed in these populations. Recognizing these disorders and differentiating them from more common headache disorders, such as migraine, is important, as secondary disease is common. This review will cover the basic epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of trigeminal, occipital, glossopharyngeal and other, less common, cranial neuralgias. We have reviewed pediatric case reports of these conditions. For trigeminal neuralgia, the most common of these disorders, we have compiled the clinical features and treatment response of previous reports.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis mistaken as a temporomandibular joint disorder: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is a rare systemic disease that if left untreated, it may lead to death within 6-12 months. This case report describes a 15-year-old female with a 14-month history of epiphora, nasal breathing difficulties, headaches, and jaw pain. The patient reported having various medical procedures attempted to address her symptoms. The classical presentation of strawberry gingivitis led to the diagnosis of GPA. Based on a multi-language search, this is the first reported case, that GPA is mistaken as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 15-year-old female with nearly 14 months of numerous complaints, including headaches and jaw pain, was referred for an orofacial pain (OFP) consultation. The patient had completed a dental examination and was prescribed chlorhexidine for gingivitis control. The OFP examination was not consistent with signs and symptoms of TMD. However, the gingival appearance of strawberry gingivitis was suggestive of GPA. A rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis of GPA based on the clinical interview, serology testing, and dental findings. A course of rituximab and corticosteroids, and regular dental cleanings were recommended. A 4-month follow-up visit demonstrated complete resolution of her jaw pain and headaches. Gingival tissue appeared normal.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasizes the need for familiarity with systemic diseases that can present oral manifestations. It also stresses the importance for dental professionals to be knowledgeable of differential diagnoses for TMD, headaches, and autoimmune disorders. Why is this case new information? This is believed to be the first published case mistaking GPA as TMD. This is a case in which a multidisciplinary approach and management were keys for a successful treatment outcome. What are the keys to successful management of this case? Obtain a thorough clinical history. Know the oral manifestation of systemic diseases. Know differential diagnosis of TMD and headaches. What are the primary limitations to success in this case? Having no access to the medical records during the OFP consultation. Having no awareness of differential diagnosis for gingivitis: strawberry, plaque-induced.

SUNCT/SUNA in Pediatric Age: A Review of Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Options

The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD3) defines Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks (SUNHA) as attacks of moderate or severe, strictly unilateral head pain lasting from seconds to minutes, occurring at least once a day and usually associated with prominent lacrimation and redness of the ipsilateral eye. Two subtypes of SUNHA are identified: Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT) and Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial Autonomic symptoms (SUNA). These pathologies are infrequent in children and difficult to diagnose. The authors reviewed the existing literature on SUNCT and SUNA, especially in the developmental age, which describes the pathophysiology in detail and focuses on the therapeutic options available to date. SUNHA-type headaches must be considered on the one hand, for the possibility of the onset of forms secondary to underlying pathologies even of a neoplastic nature, and on the other hand, for the negative impact they can have on an individual’s quality of life, particularly in young patients. Until now, published cases suggest that no chronic variants occur in childhood and adolescents. In light of this evidence, the authors offer a review that may serve as a source to be drawn upon in the implementation of suitable treatments in children and adolescents suffering from these headaches, focusing on therapies that are non-invasive and as risk-free as possible for pediatric patients.

Parental awareness of headaches among elementary school-aged children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional studyz

Context:

Headaches can negatively impact children's quality of life. Nevertheless, data on the parental awareness of childhood headache is very limited.

Aim:

The objective was to estimate the prevalence of childhood headaches and parental awareness of headaches among their elementary school children.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents who were shopping in five malls in Riyadh between March and July 2019.

Methods and Material:

Data were collected using a self-completed questionnaire, which included data on socio-demographic characteristics of the parents and their children, the presence of headache in children, and parental awareness about headache susceptibility, possible causes, associated symptoms, and management.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed as appropriate using the software SPSS.

Results:

A total of 292 parents were included. The majority were mothers (75.3%) in the age range of 26–45 years (83.2%). Approximately 62.3% of the parents reported headaches in their children. Approximately 47.6% of the headaches were attributed to “the use of electronic devices”. The overall parental awareness of headaches was 55.1%, with scores being highest for management questions (67.0%) and lowest for susceptibility questions (45.4%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, parental awareness was positively associated with the presence of children with headaches in the family and negatively associated with Saudi nationality of the children.

Conclusions:

Parental awareness of childhood headache is insufficient. There is a need to increase the awareness of parents about childhood headaches and the problems associated with heavy electronic device use.

Electronic Screen Exposure and Headache in Children

Headache represents the most common neurologic disorder in the general population including children and is increasingly being recognized as a major source of morbidity in youth related to missed school days and activities. Electronic screens are becoming increasingly important in the lives of preteens and teens. In this review, we discussed effects of electronic screens on primary headache in childhood to emphasize the importance of electronic screen exposure in children with headache. Using digital and social media can bring some benefits and risks for mental and physical health. Time spent on screen-based activities contributes to the chance of reporting general physical complaints, in particular, headache and backache during early adolescence. We suggest that all children with primary headache should be evaluated for abuse of electronic screens in neurology practice. We also think that restriction of electronic screen should be advised in children with migraine and tension type headache before initiation of pharmacotherapy. As online classes are a reality, use of electronic screen may be allowed for school age children up to 2 h/day with taking time away from digital media every 20 min for 20 sec. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that limiting the time spent on the screen is important for the reduction of headache symptoms of children and adolescents.

Headache and musculoskeletal pain in school children are associated with uncorrected vision problems and need for glasses: a case-control study

Musculoskeletal pain and headache are leading causes of years lived with disability, and an escalating problem in school children. Children spend increasingly more time reading and using digital screens, and increased near tasks intensify the workload on the precise coordination of the visual and head-stabilizing systems. Even minor vision problems can provoke headache and neck- and shoulder (pericranial) pain. This study investigated the association between headaches, pericranial tenderness, vision problems, and the need for glasses in children. An eye and physical examination was performed in twenty 10–15 year old children presenting to the school health nurse with headache and pericranial pain (pain group), and twenty age-and-gender matched classmates (control group). The results showed that twice as many children in the pain group had uncorrected vision and needed glasses. Most children were hyperopic, and glasses were recommended mainly for near work. Headache and pericranial tenderness were significantly correlated to reduced binocular vision, reduced distance vision, and the need for new glasses. That uncorrected vision problems are related to upper body musculoskeletal symptoms and headache, indicate that all children with these symptoms should have a full eye examination to promote health and academic performance.

Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches

Headaches are common complaints in children. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3^rd edition (beta version), defines more than 280 types of headaches. Primary headaches refer to independent conditions that cause pain and include migraine, tension-type headaches (TTH), and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). Several agents are involved in the pathogenesis of headaches. The factors associated with predisposition to atherosclerosis seem to be particularly important from the clinical point of view. The influence of obesity on the incidence of headaches has been well established. Moreover, idiopathic headaches, especially migraine, are thought to be one of the first signs of disorders in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. The risk of migraine increases with increasing obesity in children. Another factor that seems to be involved in both obesity and headaches is the adiponectin level. Recent data also suggest new potential risk factors for atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), sCD40L (soluble CD40 ligand), serpin E1/PAI I (endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, their role is controversial because the results of clinical studies are often inconsistent. This review presents the current knowledge on the potential markers of atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation, which may be associated with primary headaches.