Chronic Tension-Type Headache in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

In this study, the causes, predisposing factors and clinical features of chronic daily headache in children and adolescents were studied within the population of patients attending a specialist headache. The International Headache Society's (IHS) criteria for the diagnosis of chronic tension type headache (CTTH) were assessed for their applicability in the paediatric age group. Over a period of three years, demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively on all children who attended the clinic and suffered from daily attacks of headache. One hundred and fifteen children and adolescents (32% of all clinic population) had chronic daily headache, of whom 93 patients (81%) fulfilled the IHS criteria for the diagnosis of CTTH. They were between 3-15 years of age (mean: 11.1, SD: 2.3) and their female to male ratio was 1.2: 1. Around one third of the patients also suffered from migraine (mainly migraine without aura). The headache was described as mild in 60.9%, moderate 36.5% and severe 2.6%. Headache was located at the forehead in 53% or over the whole of the head in 29.6%. Pain was described as ‘just sore’ or dull by 73.9%. During attacks of headache, at least half the patients reported light intolerance, noise intolerance, anorexia or nausea. Thirty-two percent of patients had at least one underlying chronic disease that may have contributed to the pathogenesis of the CTTH. Eleven percent had serious stressful events related to family illnesses and in four patients headaches were triggered by family bereavement. Fourteen percent were investigated with neuroimaging and 22% were referred for clinical psychology assessment and management. In conclusion, CTTH is a common cause of headache in children attending a specialist headache clinic. The clinical features closely match those of adult population and the IHS criteria for the diagnosis of CTTH can be adapted for use in children. Predisposing stressful risk factors, physical or emotional, are present in a large proportion.