Treatment of idiopathic headache in childhood - recommendations of the German Migraine and Headache Society

controlled studies on the treatment of idiopathic headache in childhood have been analysed and compiled to treatment recommendations. For the acute treatment of migraine attacks or tension-type headache, ibuprofen (10 mg per kg body weight) or acetaminophen (15 mg per kg body weight) are recommended with highest evidence, intranasal sumatriptan (10 to 20 mg) can be given as second choice. For the prophylaxis of migraine, betablockers (propranolol and metoprolol), flunarizine, and valproic acid are recommended. Flunarizine is the drug of first choice in the treatment of migraine-related disorders. No controlled studies are available for the treatment of further headache types. First line methods for the non-drug treatment of headache in childhood are relaxation therapies, biofeedback, and specific training schedules.