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Headache in Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Secondary Headache (M Robbins, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Migraine is a common condition affecting an estimated billion people across the world. The incidence in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders or intellectual disabilities like those seen in severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unknown. This is likely due to the limited capacity to communicate the specifics of pain. The expression of pain with maladaptive behaviors, such as self-injurious behavior (SIB), has been described and can alert the clinician to the presence of untreated pain. This review article serves to educate the reader about clinical and treatment considerations when managing headaches in individuals with severe or non-verbal neurodevelopmental disorders given their communication challenges. It will include some clinical experiences and the gaps in our current knowledge.

Recent Findings

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using scientific databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Only 1 article addressed the consideration for headaches in this population. The search was conducted using a combination of the following keywords: headache, intellectual disabilities, autism, pain, and behavior.

Summary

Headache pain is likely underestimated and represents a disservice to this population of people. The consideration for headache pain should be explored when maladaptive behaviors are otherwise unexplainable. Further studies are needed in the area.

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Abbreviations

ASD:

Autism spectrum disorder

SIB:

Self-injurious behavior

ADHD:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ID:

Intellectual disabilities

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as:  • Of importance

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  1. NeurAbilities Healthcare, NJ, Voorhees, USA

    Madeline A. Chadehumbe

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Chadehumbe, M.A. Headache in Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Curr Pain Headache Rep 27, 623–629 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01153-y

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