Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias and Neuralgias in Children and Adolescents: a Narrative Review

Purpose of Review To summarize the available literature as well as the authors’ experience on trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) and cranial neuralgias in children and adolescents. Recent Findings While TACs and cranial neuralgias are rare in children, several recent case series have been published. Summary TACs in children share most of the clinical features of TACs in adults. However, there are many reported cases with clinical features which overlap more than one diagnosis, suggesting that TACs may be less differentiated in youth. Indomethacin-responsive cases of cluster headache and SUNCT/SUNA have been reported in children, whereas in adults indomethacin is usually reserved for paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua. Neuralgias appear to be rare in children. Clinical features are often similar to adult cases, though clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for underlying causes.