Pediatric headaches: what's new?

The evolution of headache from childhood into adulthood is receiving greate r attention as questions arise regarding prevalence and long-term remission rates. Presenting symptoms of headache in childhood and adolescence tend t o differ from those in adults, making it difficult to obtain high sensitivi ty ratings using the present standard International Headache Society criter ia specifically with regard to migraine. The new treatment options that hav e been available for adults for several years are now being studied in chil dhood and adolescent populations. Are they safe and effective, and is there a need to alter dosages in this population? The interest in chronic daily headache in childhood and adolescence is increasing because studies in this population may help us to advance our knowledge with regard to adult chron ic daily headache. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.