Headaches in children and adolescents.

Headache is common in children and adolescents. A thorough history, examination, and a neurologic evaluation with charting of the temporal pattern of the headache and evaluation of psychosocial factors will allow the correct diagnosis to be made. Laboratory testing in most instances is unnecessary but should be tailored to the specific headache syndrome. Psychological factors are important in all forms of headache and should be evaluated in each and every case. A comprehensive approach to the patient's problem, including medical and psychological interventions, will usually result in improvement.