A questionnaire-based study on prevalence and treatment of headache in young children.

Abstract

Headache occurs in a large proportion of young students. In this study we evaluated the incidence of headache in young people, examined associated factors and described the drug therapy used. A structured questionnaire was directly administered to 2700 students of secondary schools of Catanzaro. We recorded that headache symptoms started between 9 and 12 years of age. The incidence density was higher in people living in the city (84%) and in tobacco and alcohol users than non-users (p < 0.01). The most common drugs used were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In 20% of people, this treatment induced the development of chronic headache. These data showed that morbidity from headache is often unrecognised and undertreated. Better management of headache symptoms and therapy could reduce the frequency of headache episodes, with a reduction of adverse drug reactions.

• Authors: Luca Gallelli, Rosario Iannacchero, Enzo De Caro, Francesco Peltrone, Manuela Colosimo, Giovambattista De Sarro
• Journal: The journal of headache and pain (J Headache Pain) Vol. 6 Issue 4 Pg. 277-80 (Sep 2005) ISSN: 1129-2369 [Print] England
• PMID: 16362686 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Sulfonamides
• Aspirin
• nimesulide

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (therapeutic use)
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Female
• Headache (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Prevalence
• Sulfonamides (therapeutic use)
• Surveys and Questionnaires