Headaches in children and adolescents

Headache is common in children and adolescents. A thorough history, examina tion, and a neurologic evaluation with charting of the temporal pattern of the headache and evaluation of psychosocial factors will allow the correct diagnosis to be made. Laboratory testing in most instances is unnecessary b ut should be tailored to the specific headache syndrome. Psychological fact ors are important in all forms of headache and should be evaluated in each and every ease. A comprehensive approach to the patient's problem, includin g medical and psychological interventions, will usually result in improveme nt.