Headaches in children. When is a complete diagnostic workup indicated?

Migraines, migraine variants, and other headache types often present for the first time during childhood; they require follow-up and, when appropriate, further investigation. Management of migraine should include a discussion of therapeutic goals with patients and parents. Appropriate medications are limited in younger children, but older children and adolescents have more options, such as the new serotonin-agonist agents (eg, sumatriptan succinate), which are now undergoing study for use in this age-group. Preventive therapy, both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic, should be described to patients and parents so they understand the options available if headaches recur.