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Rhinogenic Headache in Children and Adolescents

  • Childhood and Adolescent Headache (S Evers, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to evaluate and explain our current understanding of rhinogenic headache in the pediatric population.

Recent Findings

One study showed that 40 % of pediatric patients with migraine had previously received an incorrect diagnosis of sinus headache. Two studies found that over 50% of pediatric patients with migraines have associated cranial autonomic symptoms, possibly elucidating the reasons for misdiagnosis. Some case reports demonstrate successful treatment of rhinogenic contact point headache with the surgical resection of mucosal contact points, although this diagnosis continues to be debated.

Summary

Many pediatric patients diagnosed with a sinus-related headache actually meet criteria for primary headache disorders. Primary headache disorders should be considered in pediatric patients with headache and associated rhinologic symptoms. Some literature suggests that mucosal contact point headaches can be surgically treated in children, but the level of evidence is inadequate, and additional robust trials are needed.

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

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA

    Gregory L. Barinsky

  2. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Curtis Hanba

  3. Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA

    Peter F. Svider

Authors
  1. Gregory L. Barinsky
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  2. Curtis Hanba
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  3. Peter F. Svider
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Correspondence to Peter F. Svider.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Childhood and Adolescent Headache

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Barinsky, G.L., Hanba, C. & Svider, P.F. Rhinogenic Headache in Children and Adolescents. Curr Pain Headache Rep 24, 7 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-0839-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-0839-0

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