Headache in children: the utility of the International Classification of Headaches (IHS) 1988

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective study of headache in children was to determine the prevalence of headache in a Paedriatric Neurology outpatient clinic, clinical features, type of headache and the utility of using the classification of headaches by the IHS in 1988 in children. Between january and june 1994 we assessed 114 patients with headache out of a patient population of 5,612 in the Roberto del Rio Childrens Hospital, a prevalence of 2%. There were 68 females, 46 males aged between 3.5 and 14.8 years. All suffered recurrent headaches, using the IHS classifcation 74% of patients had a defined cause, 66% vascular, 8% tensional. 26% of children could not be classified.