Document Type
Article
Department
Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa)
Abstract
We sought to describe the clinical, radiological characteristics and determine the outcomes of children with primary headache. A retrospective observational study was conducted. Children with primary headache were recruited. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were compiled. Visual Analog Scale was used to determine pain severity. Seventy-three patients were included in the study. Their median age was 10.0 (IQR: 8.0-12.0) years, and 38 (52.1%) were female. Fiftyfour (74.0%) had migraine headache. Majority, 50 (68.5%) reported severe headaches at presentation. Three (4.1%) patients had abnormal findings on MRI while 5 (6.8%) patients had abnormal findings on EEG. Most participants were pain free at 3 and 6 months follow up. Most used prophylactic agent was sodium valproate (84.0%).
Conclusion: Migraine is the most common primary headache in children. Detailed clinical history and physical examination avoids unnecessary costly investigations. Severe disability can be prevented by use of proper prophylaxis.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Sage Open Pediatrics
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/30502225251321029
Recommended Citation
Tunje, D.,
Oyieke, K.,
Samia, P.
(2025). Clinical, radiological characteristics and outcomes of primary headache in children at a tertiary hospital in Kenya: A retrospective observational study. Sage Open Pediatrics, 1-7.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_paediatr_child_health/577