Bóle głowy u dzieci
Rokowania, prognozy i postęp choroby

Bóle głowy stanowią istotny problem w pediatrycznej neurologii, dotykając 40-50% dzieci w wieku 7 lat i aż do 80% młodzieży. Migrena jest najczęstszym typem, z częstością występowania około 3% u dzieci przedszkolnych, wzrastającą do 8% u chłopców i 20% u dziewcząt w okresie dojrzewania. Badania longitudinalne wykazały roczną zapadalność na częste bóle głowy (≥1/tydzień) na poziomie 6,5%, z wyraźną przewagą u dziewcząt. Czynniki prognostyczne częstych bólów głowy obejmują ich obecność podczas pierwszej oceny, upośledzenie funkcjonowania (ograniczenie aktywności w czasie wolnym), wysokie wyniki w skalach depresyjnych oraz płeć żeńską. Leczenie profilaktyczne, obejmujące flunaryzynę, topiramat, kwas walproinowy, propranolol i amitryptylinę, wykazuje skuteczność w redukcji częstości bólów głowy o ≥50% u 60-90% pacjentów, choć 10-40% wykazuje niewielką odpowiedź. Charakterystyka migreny i objawy towarzyszące nie korelują z odpowiedzią na topiramat, natomiast upośledzenie codziennych aktywności jest częstsze u pacjentów dobrze reagujących na leczenie.

Bóle głowy u dzieci – Rokowanie (prognoza wyników)

Bóle głowy to jeden z najczęstszych problemów zgłaszanych w pediatrycznych poradniach neurologicznych. Dotykają 40-50% dzieci w wieku 7 lat, a częstość ta wzrasta do około 80% u młodzieży. Migrena stanowi najczęstszy typ bólu głowy, z którym pacjenci zgłaszają się do lekarza pierwszego kontaktu lub neurologa, z częstością występowania około 3% u dzieci w wieku przedszkolnym, wzrastającą do 8% u chłopców i 20% u dziewcząt w okresie dojrzewania1. W Korei Południowej częstość występowania migreny wśród dzieci w wieku szkolnym wynosiła 8,7%2.

Roczna zapadalność i przebieg

Badania longitudinalne przeprowadzone na reprezentatywnej próbie 2355 nastolatków w wieku 12-14 lat wykazały, że ogólna roczna zapadalność na częste bóle głowy (występujące co najmniej raz w tygodniu) wynosiła 6,5%. Warto zauważyć, że zapadalność była około dwukrotnie wyższa wśród dziewcząt niż chłopców. Co więcej, u dziewcząt obserwowano stały wzrost częstości występowania, podczas gdy u chłopców częstość ta pozostawała stabilna3.

Czynniki prognostyczne odpowiedzi na leczenie

Wyniki wieloczynnikowych analiz regresji wykazały, że występowanie częstych bólów głowy po roku od pierwszej oceny można było istotnie przewidzieć na podstawie następujących czynników4:

  • Występowanie częstych bólów głowy podczas pierwszej oceny
  • Upośledzenie funkcjonowania (ograniczenie aktywności w czasie wolnym)
  • Wysokie wyniki w skalach oceniających objawy depresyjne
  • Płeć żeńska (gorsze rokowanie u dziewcząt)

W kontekście leczenia profilaktycznego, badania wykazały, że charakterystyka migreny i objawy towarzyszące nie były związane z odpowiedzią na leczenie topiramatem. Jednakże, upośledzenie codziennych aktywności było częstsze u pacjentów wykazujących dobrą odpowiedź na leczenie5. Jest to istotna informacja, ponieważ pacjenci doświadczający silnych bólów głowy z wieloma objawami towarzyszącymi, a tym samym doznający upośledzenia codziennych aktywności, mogą być bardziej sceptyczni co do osiągnięcia dobrych wyników leczenia6.

Skuteczność leczenia profilaktycznego

Leczenie profilaktyczne zwykle obejmuje flunaryzinę, topiramat, kwas walproinowy, propranolol lub amitryptylinę i wykazało swoją skuteczność7. Skuteczność różnych leków profilaktycznych w zmniejszaniu częstości bólów głowy o co najmniej 50% waha się między 60% a 90%, co oznacza, że leki profilaktyczne wykazują niewielki efekt u 10-40% pacjentów8.

W badaniach analizujących czynniki związane z odpowiedzią na leczenie profilaktyczne zaobserwowano, że910:

  • Obecność objawów towarzyszących (takich jak nudności, wymioty, fotofobia, fonofobia, zawroty głowy i objawy wzrokowe) oraz czas trwania bólu głowy nie były istotnie związane z odpowiedzią na leczenie
  • Częstość i intensywność migren oraz obecność historii rodzinnej również nie były istotnie związane z odpowiedzią na leczenie topiramatem

Czynniki ryzyka i perspektywy długoterminowe

Wykazano szereg czynników ryzyka bólów głowy u dzieci. Z klinicznego punktu widzenia szczególnie ważna wydaje się predyspozycja do miażdżycy w idiopatycznych bólach głowy. Sugerowano, że migrena może być jednym z pierwszych objawów zaburzeń metabolizmu lipidów11.

Wiedza na temat korelacji między bólami głowy a czynnikami, które mogą zwiększać ryzyko miażdżycy, a w konsekwencji przedwczesnej choroby wieńcowej, może mieć szczególne znaczenie, zwłaszcza w populacji pediatrycznej12. Badania pediatryczne sugerują, że otyłość jest związana z zaburzeniami bólowymi głowy. Wielu autorów donosi, że ryzyko migreny wzrasta wraz ze wzrostem stopnia otyłości13.

Badania przeprowadzone u dzieci nie potwierdziły hipotezy, że bóle głowy są związane z wyższym ryzykiem udaru niedokrwiennego. Jednakże, migrena może być jednym z objawów zaburzeń naczyniowych, w tym miażdżycy, u pacjentów pediatrycznych. Dlatego pojawienie się migreny w wieku dziecięcym powinno być wskazaniem do oceny lipidów we krwi14.

Wpływ na codzienne funkcjonowanie

Migrena często wpływa na codzienne życie, utrudniając dzieciom zabawę z rówieśnikami lub uczestniczenie w rutynowych codziennych czynnościach. Może stanowić znaczący problem u dzieci w wieku szkolnym, ponieważ częste nieobecności i wcześniejsze zwolnienia ze szkoły zakłócają ich osiągnięcia szkolne i interakcje społeczne15.

Zalecenia dotyczące postępowania

Częste bóle głowy, szczególnie u dziewcząt we wczesnym okresie dojrzewania, powinny być dokładnie oceniane, a leczenie powinno być oferowane tym, którzy są upośledzeni w codziennym funkcjonowaniu16.

Leczenie bólów głowy u dzieci i młodzieży wymaga zrównoważonego podejścia do personalizacji terapii w zależności od rodzaju, częstości i nasilenia objawów, a także ograniczeń w codziennych czynnościach życiowych spowodowanych bólem. Głównym celem terapii bólu głowy u dzieci jest szybkie ustąpienie objawów przy minimalnych skutkach ubocznych17.

W oparciu o dotychczasowe badania, leczenie profilaktyczne topiramatem powinno być aktywnie rozważane u pacjentów doświadczających upośledzenia codziennych aktywności, nawet z silnymi bólami głowy i licznymi objawami towarzyszącymi1819. Informowanie pacjentów o tych ustaleniach może nawet poprawić ich przestrzeganie zaleceń terapeutycznych20.

Potrzebne są dalsze badania nad związkiem między zaburzeniami bólowymi głowy a zmianami naczyniowymi u dzieci, aby wyjaśnić tę kwestię21.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Headache is one of the most common complaints in pediatric neurology clinics. Headache is experienced by 4050% of 7-year-olds and about 80% of adolescents. Migraine is the most common type of headache to present to a primary care provider or neurologist for evaluation, with a prevalence of around 3% in preschoolers that increases to 8% in males and 20% in females when reaching adolescence. The prevalence of migraine among school children was reported to be 8.7% in South Korea. Migraine frequently affects daily life, making it difficult for children to play with their friends or participate in routine daily activities. It can be a significant problem in school-aged children because frequent absences and early dismissals from school interfere with their academic achievement and social interaction. Treatment of migraine includes lifestyle modification and acute abortive or prophylactic treatment depending on the disease severity. Many patients can be successfully treated with either acute symptomatic treatment or lifestyle modification, but about 30% of patients who have frequent or disabling attacks require prophylactic medication. Prophylactic treatment usually involves flunarizine, topiramate, valproic acid, propranolol, or amitriptyline, and has been shown to be effective.
  • #2 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Headache is one of the most common complaints in pediatric neurology clinics. Headache is experienced by 4050% of 7-year-olds and about 80% of adolescents. Migraine is the most common type of headache to present to a primary care provider or neurologist for evaluation, with a prevalence of around 3% in preschoolers that increases to 8% in males and 20% in females when reaching adolescence. The prevalence of migraine among school children was reported to be 8.7% in South Korea. Migraine frequently affects daily life, making it difficult for children to play with their friends or participate in routine daily activities. It can be a significant problem in school-aged children because frequent absences and early dismissals from school interfere with their academic achievement and social interaction. Treatment of migraine includes lifestyle modification and acute abortive or prophylactic treatment depending on the disease severity. Many patients can be successfully treated with either acute symptomatic treatment or lifestyle modification, but about 30% of patients who have frequent or disabling attacks require prophylactic medication. Prophylactic treatment usually involves flunarizine, topiramate, valproic acid, propranolol, or amitriptyline, and has been shown to be effective.
  • #3 One-year incidence, course, and outcome predictors of frequent headaches among early adolescents – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15953301/
    Objective: To examine the prevalence rate, course, annual incidence, and predictors of frequent headaches (at least once a week) in a 1-year longitudinal study of a representative school sample of 2355 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years. […] The overall annual incidence of frequent headaches in the whole sample was 6.5%. While incidence was about twice as high among adolescent girls than boys, there was a steady increase among girls, whereas the rates were stable in boys. […] The results of multivariate regression analyses showed that frequent headaches at 1-year follow-up could be significantly predicted by frequent headaches at first assessment, impairment (reduced leisure time activities), and high depressive symptom scores, in addition to gender (girls had a worse outcome). […] Frequent headaches, among girls in early adolescence in particular, should be carefully evaluated, and treatment offered to those who are impaired in their daily life functioning.
  • #4 One-year incidence, course, and outcome predictors of frequent headaches among early adolescents – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15953301/
    Objective: To examine the prevalence rate, course, annual incidence, and predictors of frequent headaches (at least once a week) in a 1-year longitudinal study of a representative school sample of 2355 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years. […] The overall annual incidence of frequent headaches in the whole sample was 6.5%. While incidence was about twice as high among adolescent girls than boys, there was a steady increase among girls, whereas the rates were stable in boys. […] The results of multivariate regression analyses showed that frequent headaches at 1-year follow-up could be significantly predicted by frequent headaches at first assessment, impairment (reduced leisure time activities), and high depressive symptom scores, in addition to gender (girls had a worse outcome). […] Frequent headaches, among girls in early adolescence in particular, should be carefully evaluated, and treatment offered to those who are impaired in their daily life functioning.
  • #5 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    This study found that migraine characteristics and associated symptoms were not related to the response to topiramate treatment. However, impairment of daily activities was more common in patients exhibiting good responses. Thus, prophylactic treatment with topiramate should be actively considered in patients who experience impairment of daily activities.
  • #6 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Impairment of daily activities was significantly more common in patients who responded well to topiramate prophylaxis. However, a previous study of topiramate prophylaxis in adults utilizing the Migraine Disability Scale (MIDAS) found no significant relationship with the treatment response. The main difference between the two studies is that the previous one used a MIDAS score of 61.5 points as a cutoff for defining impairment of daily activities, whereas the present study used subjective reports from patients or caregivers. It is possible to select patients who are expected to show a good response to treatment with a specific drug if the factors underlying the responses are known. This strategy can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and reduce treatment failures. However, the findings of previous studies and the present study indicate the complexity and lack of clarity of the relationship between predictive factors of migraine and response to prophylaxis, with most factors not being related to the treatment response. We also confirmed that migraine characteristics and associated symptoms individually were not related to the treatment response. Patients who experienced severe headaches and had more associated symptoms and thus experiencing impairment of daily activities were more common in the responder group. In general, patients with severe headache and many associated symptoms perceive their migraine as being more severe. Therefore, these patients and even their treating physicians may be skeptical about achieving good treatment results. Based on the findings to date, we suggest that topiramate prophylaxis should be actively considered in patients even with severe headaches and associated symptoms. Informing patients about these findings could even improve their treatment compliance.
  • #7 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Headache is one of the most common complaints in pediatric neurology clinics. Headache is experienced by 4050% of 7-year-olds and about 80% of adolescents. Migraine is the most common type of headache to present to a primary care provider or neurologist for evaluation, with a prevalence of around 3% in preschoolers that increases to 8% in males and 20% in females when reaching adolescence. The prevalence of migraine among school children was reported to be 8.7% in South Korea. Migraine frequently affects daily life, making it difficult for children to play with their friends or participate in routine daily activities. It can be a significant problem in school-aged children because frequent absences and early dismissals from school interfere with their academic achievement and social interaction. Treatment of migraine includes lifestyle modification and acute abortive or prophylactic treatment depending on the disease severity. Many patients can be successfully treated with either acute symptomatic treatment or lifestyle modification, but about 30% of patients who have frequent or disabling attacks require prophylactic medication. Prophylactic treatment usually involves flunarizine, topiramate, valproic acid, propranolol, or amitriptyline, and has been shown to be effective.
  • #8 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Various prophylactic agents can be applied in pediatric migraines, and their efficacy in reducing the headache frequency by at least 50% ranges between 60% and 90%, which means that prophylactic agents show little effect in 1040% of patients. However, there are no clear recommendations for the choice of a specific agent for individual patients. A better understanding of the factors that affect responses to prophylactic treatment can help neurologists to choose optimal medications and reduce treatment failures. Unfortunately, the few studies that have investigated these factors related to treatment responses have produced conflicting results. Moreover, these studies have only been conducted in adult populations. Based on this background, the present study investigated the characteristics of migraine and associated symptoms with the aim of identifying the predictive factors for a response to prophylactic therapy using topiramate in pediatric patients.
  • #9 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    The presence of associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, dizziness, and visual symptoms and the headache duration were not significantly related to the treatment response in our study, which is consistent with previous reports. The frequency and intensity of migraines and the presence of a family history were not significantly related to a response to topiramate treatment. The findings of previous studies have been inconsistent. Two studies found that experiencing frequent migraines (more often than eight times per month) led to an unfavorable treatment response (for flunarizine), while other studies found that frequent attacks were associated with better response (for amitriptyline) or were no associated with the response (for topiramate and flunarizine). Most studies have found no relationship between headache intensity and treatment response, but one study found a better response when the headache intensity was greater (for flunarizine). The presence of a family history was not related to the treatment response in two studies (for amitriptyline and cinnarizine), but one study suggested an association with a positive response (for flunarizine). In addition, one study suggested that the treatment response was more unfavorable with a longer disease duration (for cinnarizine). Collectively these findings indicate that associated symptoms and headache duration have never been reported to be a predictive factor. The results for the frequency and intensity of migraines and the family history have been conflicting in different studies. However, most studies found no significant relationship with migraine prophylaxis.
  • #10 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Impairment of daily activities was significantly more common in patients who responded well to topiramate prophylaxis. However, a previous study of topiramate prophylaxis in adults utilizing the Migraine Disability Scale (MIDAS) found no significant relationship with the treatment response. The main difference between the two studies is that the previous one used a MIDAS score of 61.5 points as a cutoff for defining impairment of daily activities, whereas the present study used subjective reports from patients or caregivers. It is possible to select patients who are expected to show a good response to treatment with a specific drug if the factors underlying the responses are known. This strategy can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and reduce treatment failures. However, the findings of previous studies and the present study indicate the complexity and lack of clarity of the relationship between predictive factors of migraine and response to prophylaxis, with most factors not being related to the treatment response. We also confirmed that migraine characteristics and associated symptoms individually were not related to the treatment response. Patients who experienced severe headaches and had more associated symptoms and thus experiencing impairment of daily activities were more common in the responder group. In general, patients with severe headache and many associated symptoms perceive their migraine as being more severe. Therefore, these patients and even their treating physicians may be skeptical about achieving good treatment results. Based on the findings to date, we suggest that topiramate prophylaxis should be actively considered in patients even with severe headaches and associated symptoms. Informing patients about these findings could even improve their treatment compliance.
  • #11 Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/167
    Headaches are common complaints in children. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version), defines more than 280 types of headaches. Primary headaches refer to independent conditions that cause pain and include migraine, tension-type headaches (TTH), and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). […] The treatment of headaches in children and adolescents requires a balanced approach to personalize therapy depending on the kind, frequency, and severity of symptoms as well as the limitations in daily life activities due to pain. The main goal of headache therapy in children is quick resolution with minimal side effects. […] A number of risk factors for headache have been demonstrated. Predisposition to atherosclerosis in idiopathic headaches seems to be particularly important from the clinical point of view. Migraine was suggested to be one of the first signs of disorders in lipid metabolism.
  • #12 Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/167
    The knowledge on the correlation between headaches and factors, which may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, and consequently, premature coronary artery disease, may be of particular importance, especially in the pediatric population. […] Pediatric studies suggest that obesity is associated with headache disorders. Many authors report that the risk of migraine increases with increasing obesity status. […] Studies performed in children did not confirm the hypothesis that headaches are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, migraine may be one of the manifestations of vascular disturbances including atherosclerosis in pediatric patients. This is why migraine onset in pediatric age should be an indication for blood lipid evaluation. […] Further research on the association between headache disorders and vascular changes in children is needed to clarify this issue.
  • #13 Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/167
    The knowledge on the correlation between headaches and factors, which may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, and consequently, premature coronary artery disease, may be of particular importance, especially in the pediatric population. […] Pediatric studies suggest that obesity is associated with headache disorders. Many authors report that the risk of migraine increases with increasing obesity status. […] Studies performed in children did not confirm the hypothesis that headaches are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, migraine may be one of the manifestations of vascular disturbances including atherosclerosis in pediatric patients. This is why migraine onset in pediatric age should be an indication for blood lipid evaluation. […] Further research on the association between headache disorders and vascular changes in children is needed to clarify this issue.
  • #14 Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/167
    The knowledge on the correlation between headaches and factors, which may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, and consequently, premature coronary artery disease, may be of particular importance, especially in the pediatric population. […] Pediatric studies suggest that obesity is associated with headache disorders. Many authors report that the risk of migraine increases with increasing obesity status. […] Studies performed in children did not confirm the hypothesis that headaches are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, migraine may be one of the manifestations of vascular disturbances including atherosclerosis in pediatric patients. This is why migraine onset in pediatric age should be an indication for blood lipid evaluation. […] Further research on the association between headache disorders and vascular changes in children is needed to clarify this issue.
  • #15 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Headache is one of the most common complaints in pediatric neurology clinics. Headache is experienced by 4050% of 7-year-olds and about 80% of adolescents. Migraine is the most common type of headache to present to a primary care provider or neurologist for evaluation, with a prevalence of around 3% in preschoolers that increases to 8% in males and 20% in females when reaching adolescence. The prevalence of migraine among school children was reported to be 8.7% in South Korea. Migraine frequently affects daily life, making it difficult for children to play with their friends or participate in routine daily activities. It can be a significant problem in school-aged children because frequent absences and early dismissals from school interfere with their academic achievement and social interaction. Treatment of migraine includes lifestyle modification and acute abortive or prophylactic treatment depending on the disease severity. Many patients can be successfully treated with either acute symptomatic treatment or lifestyle modification, but about 30% of patients who have frequent or disabling attacks require prophylactic medication. Prophylactic treatment usually involves flunarizine, topiramate, valproic acid, propranolol, or amitriptyline, and has been shown to be effective.
  • #16 One-year incidence, course, and outcome predictors of frequent headaches among early adolescents – PubMed
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15953301/
    Objective: To examine the prevalence rate, course, annual incidence, and predictors of frequent headaches (at least once a week) in a 1-year longitudinal study of a representative school sample of 2355 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years. […] The overall annual incidence of frequent headaches in the whole sample was 6.5%. While incidence was about twice as high among adolescent girls than boys, there was a steady increase among girls, whereas the rates were stable in boys. […] The results of multivariate regression analyses showed that frequent headaches at 1-year follow-up could be significantly predicted by frequent headaches at first assessment, impairment (reduced leisure time activities), and high depressive symptom scores, in addition to gender (girls had a worse outcome). […] Frequent headaches, among girls in early adolescence in particular, should be carefully evaluated, and treatment offered to those who are impaired in their daily life functioning.
  • #17 Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/167
    Headaches are common complaints in children. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version), defines more than 280 types of headaches. Primary headaches refer to independent conditions that cause pain and include migraine, tension-type headaches (TTH), and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). […] The treatment of headaches in children and adolescents requires a balanced approach to personalize therapy depending on the kind, frequency, and severity of symptoms as well as the limitations in daily life activities due to pain. The main goal of headache therapy in children is quick resolution with minimal side effects. […] A number of risk factors for headache have been demonstrated. Predisposition to atherosclerosis in idiopathic headaches seems to be particularly important from the clinical point of view. Migraine was suggested to be one of the first signs of disorders in lipid metabolism.
  • #18 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Impairment of daily activities was significantly more common in patients who responded well to topiramate prophylaxis. However, a previous study of topiramate prophylaxis in adults utilizing the Migraine Disability Scale (MIDAS) found no significant relationship with the treatment response. The main difference between the two studies is that the previous one used a MIDAS score of 61.5 points as a cutoff for defining impairment of daily activities, whereas the present study used subjective reports from patients or caregivers. It is possible to select patients who are expected to show a good response to treatment with a specific drug if the factors underlying the responses are known. This strategy can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and reduce treatment failures. However, the findings of previous studies and the present study indicate the complexity and lack of clarity of the relationship between predictive factors of migraine and response to prophylaxis, with most factors not being related to the treatment response. We also confirmed that migraine characteristics and associated symptoms individually were not related to the treatment response. Patients who experienced severe headaches and had more associated symptoms and thus experiencing impairment of daily activities were more common in the responder group. In general, patients with severe headache and many associated symptoms perceive their migraine as being more severe. Therefore, these patients and even their treating physicians may be skeptical about achieving good treatment results. Based on the findings to date, we suggest that topiramate prophylaxis should be actively considered in patients even with severe headaches and associated symptoms. Informing patients about these findings could even improve their treatment compliance.
  • #19 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    This study found that migraine characteristics and associated symptoms were not related to the response to topiramate treatment. However, impairment of daily activities was more common in patients exhibiting good responses. Thus, prophylactic treatment with topiramate should be actively considered in patients who experience impairment of daily activities.
  • #20 :: JCN :: Journal of Clinical Neurology
    https://www.thejcn.com/DOIx.php?id=10.3988/jcn.2017.13.3.281
    Impairment of daily activities was significantly more common in patients who responded well to topiramate prophylaxis. However, a previous study of topiramate prophylaxis in adults utilizing the Migraine Disability Scale (MIDAS) found no significant relationship with the treatment response. The main difference between the two studies is that the previous one used a MIDAS score of 61.5 points as a cutoff for defining impairment of daily activities, whereas the present study used subjective reports from patients or caregivers. It is possible to select patients who are expected to show a good response to treatment with a specific drug if the factors underlying the responses are known. This strategy can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and reduce treatment failures. However, the findings of previous studies and the present study indicate the complexity and lack of clarity of the relationship between predictive factors of migraine and response to prophylaxis, with most factors not being related to the treatment response. We also confirmed that migraine characteristics and associated symptoms individually were not related to the treatment response. Patients who experienced severe headaches and had more associated symptoms and thus experiencing impairment of daily activities were more common in the responder group. In general, patients with severe headache and many associated symptoms perceive their migraine as being more severe. Therefore, these patients and even their treating physicians may be skeptical about achieving good treatment results. Based on the findings to date, we suggest that topiramate prophylaxis should be actively considered in patients even with severe headaches and associated symptoms. Informing patients about these findings could even improve their treatment compliance.
  • #21 Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
    https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/167
    The knowledge on the correlation between headaches and factors, which may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, and consequently, premature coronary artery disease, may be of particular importance, especially in the pediatric population. […] Pediatric studies suggest that obesity is associated with headache disorders. Many authors report that the risk of migraine increases with increasing obesity status. […] Studies performed in children did not confirm the hypothesis that headaches are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. However, migraine may be one of the manifestations of vascular disturbances including atherosclerosis in pediatric patients. This is why migraine onset in pediatric age should be an indication for blood lipid evaluation. […] Further research on the association between headache disorders and vascular changes in children is needed to clarify this issue.