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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Short report

Short lasting activity-related headaches with sudden onset in children: a case-based reasoning on classification and diagnosis

Authors: Irene Toldo, Debora De Carlo, Rodica Mardari, Luca De Palma, Michela Gatta, Barbara Bolzonella, Margherita Nosadini, Luca Bartolini, Stefano Sartori, Pier Antonio Battistella

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Short lasting headaches related to activity or cough are rare, particularly in childhood, and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in young children who are not able to describe their symptoms. In the literature there are few data on this topic in adults and the paediatric cases reported are even more rare.

Findings

We present the clinical history of a 7-year-old child and a 3-year-old child both diagnosed as having activity-related headaches, characterized by sudden onset of short lasting (few seconds) attacks, that were triggered by cough or exercise. There were no accompanying symptoms and the neurological examination was normal in both cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed, in the first case, a cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma and, in the second case, a Chiari 1 malformation. Both cases received an early diagnosis, were surgically treated and had a good prognosis at follow-up.

Conclusions

When headache has a recent onset, it presents suddenly, and it is triggered by strain, even with normal neurological examination, neuroimaging is mandatory in order to exclude secondary headaches, especially in children.

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Title: Short lasting activity-related headaches with sudden onset in children: a case-based reasoning on classification and diagnosis
Authors: Irene Toldo
Debora De Carlo
Rodica Mardari
Luca De Palma
Michela Gatta
Barbara Bolzonella
Margherita Nosadini
Luca Bartolini
Stefano Sartori
Pier Antonio Battistella
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-14-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Short lasting activity-related headaches with sudden onset in children: a case-based reasoning on classification and diagnosis

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Findings

Conclusions

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