Global Burden of Headache Disorders in Children and Adolescents 2007-2017

Headache disorders are prevalent and disabling conditions impacting on people of all ages, including children and adolescents with substantial impact on their school activities and leisure time. Our study aims to report specific information on headaches in children and adolescents based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, that provides estimates for incidence, prevalence, fatal and non-fatal outcomes. We relied on 2007 and 2017 GBD estimates for prevalence and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) at the global level and in WHO regions. The results show that, migraine and tension-type headache (TTH) together account for 37.5% of all-cause prevalence and for 7% of all-cause YLDs. Over the past decade, prevalence rates showed a mild increase of TTH in all ages and of migraine alone for adolescents. The YLDs increased among females of all ages with some regional differences that might be connected to the unequal availability of effective acute and prophylactic treatments across world regions. GBD data support the need to promote public health policies and strategies including diagnosis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments that are expected to help reduce the disability and burden associated to migraine and TTH among children and adolescents.

Automated summary

Headache disorders, including migraine and tension-type headache, are prevalent and have a substantial impact on people of all ages globally. The study based on Global Burden of Disease data shows an increase in prevalence rates of these headache types over the past decade, especially among females. Unequal availability of effective treatments across regions may contribute to regional differences in headache burden. Promoting public health policies and strategies, including proper diagnosis and treatments, is crucial in reducing the disability and burden associated with headaches among children and adolescents.