Purpose of review: This article provides an overview of the differences in epidemiology, presentation, and treatment of pediatric headache compared to adult headache.
New findings: New proposals are presented regarding the classification of pediatric migraine and ophthalmoplegic migraine. The distinction between basilar migraine and migraine with aura is reconsidered.
Summary: Pediatric headache is a common but underdiagnosed condition. Primary headache syndromes, in particular migraine, can present differently in children than in adults. Diagnosis can be problematic, especially in young children, because standard criteria used for classification are often incomplete. Treatment focuses on biobehavioral modification and adapted use of standard adult medication management.