Seminars in pediatric neurology
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Headaches are an extremely common complaint encountered in the pediatric population. The headache history establishes the diagnosis in the vast majority and most importantly identifies features suggesting a secondary cause. The headache history outlined will aid in headache classification and screen for ominous causes. ⋯ Preventative treatment may be beneficial when headaches result in significant disability and impaired quality of life. The limited available evidence for prophylactic treatment options is reviewed. Research into pediatric headache prevention and management remains a priority given the potential lifelong morbidity associated with headache.