Headache in Children and Adolescents

The broad field of orofacial pain encompasses pain conditions affecting the head, face, neck and intraoral structures. Much has been written about headache specifically affecting adults, but little is known about the presentation of this problem in children. Dentists may be asked to participate in the differential diagnosis or management of headache in young patients. For their benefit, this article discusses the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of headache in this population. An accurate history and careful examination can allow early diagnosis and the avoidance of unnecessary or inappropriate dental procedures.