The Prognosis of Migraine and Tension-Type Headache in Children and Adolescents

Background: Migraine and tension type headache (TTH) are common among children and adolescents, yet their long term prognosis is not well investigated.

Objective: To evaluate long term outcomes of pediatric migraine and TTH.

Methods: Pediatric patients who visited the pediatric neurology clinic due to diagnoses of migraine or TTH were contacted by phone after 10 years and interviewed for outcomes.

Results: Out of 120 patients, 59 were seen initially do to migraine. 48 improved, 4 worsened. The diagnosis at the follow-up; 59% still had migraine, 17% changed to TTH and 23% were free of headaches. Significantly higher percentage of migraine patients who had aura or photophobia, preserved the diagnosis migraine. 61 were seen initially do to TTH. 49 improved, 9 worsened. The diagnosis at the follow-up; 36.7% still had TTH, 18.3% had migraine and the remaining 45% were free of headaches. TTH patients became headache free twice as much and only 36.7% of the patients with TTH kept the initial diagnosis compared to 59.3% among the migraine patients.

Conclusions: Most pediatric patients presenting with migraine or TTH will experience a favorable outcome over 10 years, with TTH patients having twice the chance for complete resolution.