The migraine syndrome in children and adolescents.

Headache has a remarkably constant occurrence in different socioeconomic, cultural, geographic, and ethnic groups. Between 70% and 90% of people surveyed had at least one headache in the preceding year. Twenty-one percent of children have had significant tension or migraine headaches by 15 years of age, and an additional 54% have experienced occasional, less significant headache. Of children who had migraine, 42% lost time from school because of their headaches. Three percent of adults lost time from work because of headaches. This common symptom requires an organized approach to diagnosis and treatment.