Clinical, Radiological Characteristics and Outcomes of Primary Headache in Children at a Tertiary Hospital in Kenya: A Retrospective Observational Study.

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.