The Challenge of Diagnosing Migraine Headache in Children and Adolescents

A new structured diagnostic interview is sensitive but too time-consuming to be used in primary care settings.

Migraine and tension headaches are the most common forms of headaches in children and adolescents. Clinicians rely on patient and parent interviews to differentiate the two subtypes and to provide appropriate treatment. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health assessed the validity of the structured Diagnostic Interview of Headache Syndromes–Child Version (DIHS-C). The interview consists of an open-ended clinical history and questions to assess symptoms of each major headache subtype, impairment, duration, frequency, course, and treatment. Parents are the primary informants for children younger than 12 years.

The DIHS-C was conducted in 104 children and adolescents (51% boys; age range, 7–17 years) who were either enrolled in a…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics