Migraine and migraine variants in childhood and adolescence.

Migraine is a commonly occurring headache syndrome in children and adolescents. Half of all individuals destined to have migraine begin their attacks before age 20 years. It is characterized by paroxysmal headache, nausea, vomiting, and desire to sleep. On occasion, dramatic neurological symptoms and signs accompany the headache. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, evaluations, and management of migraine are reviewed.