Headache as an emergency in children and adolescents

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2015 Mar;19(3):3. doi: 10.1007/s11916-015-0480-5.

Abstract

Pediatric and adolescence headache is one of the most common causes of access in emergency departments (ED). Primary headache and headache secondary to self-limited conditions are the majority of cases. Secondary life-threatening headaches are less frequent and may be recognized by a careful history and physical examination. The primary objective for ED physicians is to recognize the serious life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical care among the wide spectrum of headache diagnoses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / diagnosis
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / etiology*
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / physiopathology
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / therapy
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / diagnosis
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / etiology*
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / physiopathology
  • Headache Disorders, Secondary / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neurologic Examination / methods*
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic

Substances

  • Analgesics