Peri-Ictal Headaches in Children with Epilepsy

J Gordon Millichap
2008 Pediatric Neurology Briefs  
The frequency and character of preictal and postictal headaches in 101 children (aged 5-18 years) with generalized tonic-clonic or partial seizures were determined by interviews and clinic chart reviews, in a study at Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada. Periictal headaches were reported by 41% (postictal only in 29%, preictal only in 5%, both in 7%). The headaches were migrainous in 50% of preictal and 58% of postictal headaches. Interictal headaches occurred in 24%; they were
more » ... us in 14%. Peri-ictal headaches in children were mostly bilateral. Headaches were relieved by acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the majority of the 50% of patients treated. (Cai S, Hamiwka LD, Wirrell EC. Peri-ictal headache in children: prevalence and character. Pediatr Neurol Aug 2008;39:91-96). ). COMMENT. Peri-ictal headaches are common in children with epilepsy. They are usually migrainous in type and bilateral in location. They are relieved by simple analgesics but in practice, are rarely treated.
doi:10.15844/pedneurbriefs-22-8-4 fatcat:ttxuwaw7afhzddnb5jokrf7kde