Headache and Chiari malformation in young age: clinical aspects and differential diagnosis.

Migraine and tension-type headache are common problems in children and adolescents. If we consider the possible differential diagnosis in the case of headache in children, we cannot exclude a symptomatic origin of the problem and in this case Chiari malformation can be the reason for an unrevealed organic cause of headache itself. Proper diagnosis and management of headache in young age depends on taking through history and comprehensive clinical examination. The clinical screening includes a complete neurological, mental status and physical examination and in some cases neuroimaging help is needed. Important suggestions in case of children with headache are: reassure the family about the benignity of the condition (by excluding organic diseases); educate the patients and their parents about the pathogenesis and natural history of headache; establish realistic goals for treatment according to age.