Prevalence of headache and migraine in children and adolescents: a systematic review of population‐based studies

This study reviews the prevalence of headache and migraine in children and adolescents. Researchers analyzed 50 population-based studies conducted from 1990 to 2007. The estimated prevalence of headache in this group is 58%. Girls are more likely to experience headaches than boys, with an odds ratio of 1.53. The prevalence of migraine is 8%, occurring over a six-month to lifetime period. Similar to headaches, girls are more likely to have migraines than boys, with an odds ratio of 1.67. Regional differences in migraine prevalence were found but may not be clinically significant. The study also noted that changes in diagnostic criteria did not significantly affect migraine prevalence. Overall, this research confirms that headaches and migraines are common among children and adolescents. Factors such as sex, age, and region influence their prevalence rates significantly, highlighting the need for targeted management strategies for affected individuals. Clinical relevance: This research highlights the high prevalence of headache and migraine in children, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis and management strategies tailored to their unique needs.