Chronic nonprogressive headaches in children and adolescents

Chronic nonprogressive headaches (CNPHA) are common in children and increase in frequency in adolescents. Features are usually, but not always, distinct from those of migraine. CNPHA have also been called chronic daily headaches, tension-type headaches, muscle contraction headaches, and psychogenic headaches. These headaches represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to family physicians, pediatricians, and pediatric neurologists. The evaluation is time-consuming and the treatment frustrating and often unsuccessful. They are a significant cause of school absences. This review addresses the epidemiology classification, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, evaluation, and treatment of this disorder.