Assessment and Management of Chronic Pediatric Headaches

Abstract

Recurrent headache, such as migraine and tension headaches, is a common problem which often begins in childhood and extends into adulthood. Until recently, little attention has been devoted in the literature to this common chronic pain problem in children and adolescents. The purpose of this review is to examine the different types of headache, pharmacologic, and behavioral strategies for assessment and management of pediatric headache disorders, and the role of the pediatric nurse in headache management. Specific guidelines are offered to assist nurses in identifying headaches which can signal serious underlying disease. The literature on management of migraine and tension headaches is reviewed with the conclusion that behavioral strategies (such as relaxation training) would appear to be a viable treatment approach for children and adolescents.