Age-related headache characteristics.

A computerized headache interview was completed by 255 children, adolescents, and adults. Children did not differ from adults in the frequency of auras or prodromes. Young children were more likely than older patients to have brief headaches and headaches that tended to occur on weekdays, and to feel "great" after a headache. They were less likely than older patients to acknowledge multiple kinds of headaches, headaches located on one side of the head or posteriorly, and such concomitant occurrences as blurring, photophobia, irritability, frustration-anger, light-headedness, trouble with concentration, numbness-tingling, and lack of appetite. We do not know how much these differences can be attributed to age-related differences in language, physiology, or medical care selection factors.