Childhood Headache, 2nd edition

Childhood Headache is a comprehensive source of knowledge and guidance to practising clinicians looking after children with headache which includes many clinical examples to illustrate the difficulties in diagnosis or options for treatment. It is also a resource for researchers who are looking for a full analysis of the published studies. Headache as a common problem which has a significant impact on children’s quality of life is fully illustrated in special chapters. Assessment of the child with chronic headache takes a central position, with two chapters to help early diagnosis of the child with a serious neurological disorder. The scientific basis of headache and migraine is clearly presented and simplified in the chapter of pathophysiology. Headache classification and common headache disorders (migraine and tension-type headache) are fully discussed. Other uncommon but important headache disorders such as chronic daily headache are well-covered. Several chapters are dedicated to the management of headache disorders, emphasising available evidence-based recommendations, but where appropriate, the lack of available research into given areas is discussed. Current and future therapies are covered separately. Non-pharmacological, psychological and dietary management of headache are also presented in separate chapters. Models of service provision for children with headache are given from the primary care point of view and also describing the model used in secondary care, giving practical advice on consistent clinical assessment, data collection and the use of diaries and children’s drawing in the assessment of headache.

About the Author

Consultant in Paediatrics and Paediatric Neurology. Qualified in Medicine from the University of Jordan and had postgraduate training in paediatrics and paediatric neurology in Cardiff and Aberdeen (UK). Following a research fellowship in headache (1991-93), he maintained clinical and research interest in headache. He established the headache service at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow in 1996, which became a base for childhood headache clinical service, research and education. Chairman of the paediatric subcommittee of the British Paediatric Association for the Study of Headache (2006-2010). Vice chairperson (2012-2013) and the chairperson (from 2013) of the Child and Adolescent Standing Group of the International Headache Society.