Childhood Headache Risk: Warning Signs and Symptoms Present During the First Six Months of Life*

Abstract

In the history of children suffering from non-organic headache, the presence of periodic syndromes can often be found. In previous observations we ascertained that periodic syndromes are a common finding in children showing physical and behavioural characteristics of “hyperreactivity” in the first months of their lives. We have tried to verify, through a prospective study, whether children with “hyperreactivity” in the first months of life are particularly prone to develop periodic syndromes and/or non-organic headache. We have developed an appropriate test for the assessment of hyperreactivity in the first 6 months of life. We have isolated 183 hyperreactive subjects; 102 of them have been followed-up to an average age of 10.8 years, together with a control group of 80 subjects followed-up to an average age of 10.2 years. Of the 102 hyperreactive infants, 54 (52.9%) suffered from common migraine, versus 12 (15%) of the control group; 66 (64.5%) hyperreactive infants suffered from periodic syndrome, versus 10 (12.5%) of the control group. There was frequently a co-existence of migraine and periodic syndrome. It is thus possible to identify infants who are particularly prone to develop periodic syndromes and headache.