Seminars in Pediatric Neurology RSS feed: Current Issue. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology is a topical journal that focuses on subjects of current importance in the field of pediatric neurology. The journal is devoted to making the status of such topics and the results of new investigations readily available to the practicing physician. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology is of special interest to pediatric neurologists, pediatric neuropathologists, behavioral pediatricians, and neurologists who treat all ages. 2010 Topics , Volume 17, Issues 1-4 March Controversies in the Management of Headache in Children David Rothner, MD June Case Studies in Pediatric Neurology John B. Bodensteiner, MD September Status Epilepticus Kevin Chapman, MD December Recent Developments in Pharmacotherapuetics Jong M. Rho, MDhttp://www.sempedneurjnl.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology1071-9091172June 2010 © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000379/abstract?rss=yesBille's treatise on headaches (HAs) in schoolchildren initiated the modern era of the study of HAs in children and adolescents. We have come a long way since then! The number of articles and books in this field in the areas of classification, epidemiology, evaluation, diagnostic methods, and treatments has increased exponentially. The data on pathophysiology has been derived from animal experimentation and research in adults. Pharmacologic advances are usually acquired in a “hand-me-down” fashion from adult studies.IntroductionJack Gladstein, A. David Rothner10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.008Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-18787http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS107190911000032X/abstract?rss=yesChronic daily headaches (CDH) in children and adolescents is reviewed. Three major forms of CDH exist: transformed migrane, chronic tension type headache, and new-onset daily persistent headache. Diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment options are discussed.Chronic Daily Headache in Children and AdolescentsJack Gladstein, A. David Rothner10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.003Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-18892http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000318/abstract?rss=yesRecurrent headaches in children are most often migraines and are based in a genetic predisposition with a low headache threshold. As with any pain experience, there is a large emotional component associated with an attack of migraines that grows in amplitude as the headaches become more frequent and resistant to medicine, sleep, or other agents that used to work. Childhood headaches are especially complicated for 3 reasons: (1) the parents' fear (communicated to the child that serious medical pathology underlies the head pain), (2) the lack of evidence-based pharmacologic treatment, and (3) the belief that these headaches are largely psychological. This article addresses the mystery surrounding childhood headaches by delving into the influence of school, friends, and family; the impact of divorce; the coping skills required for a child to manage a migrainous nervous system; the potential secondary gain from headaches; psychiatric comorbidities and how to treat them; and the role of psychological intervention.Psychological Factors in Childhood HeadachesKathleen Farmer, David Dunn, Eric Scott10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.002Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-19399http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000367/abstract?rss=yesIt is clear that hormones play an important role in modulating and exacerbating headaches. From an epidemiologic standpoint, we know that before puberty, incidence of new headache is similar for boys and girls. By age 18, however, most new cases of migraine occur in young women. The role of sex hormones in headache is described in the context of pubertal development. Obesity and Pseudotumor also impact headache through hormonal influences. Menstrual migraine will often present in the teenage years. Oral contraceptives may worsen or ameliorate headache. This article will introduce these concepts and help the reader become familiar with the role of hormones in headache.Headaches and HormonesAnn Pakalnis, Jack Gladstein10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.007Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-1100104http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000331/abstract?rss=yesHeadache is the third leading cause of referral to a pediatric emergency room. It is imperative for providers to be able to rule out rare but possible life-threatening disorders, such as meningitis, intracranial hemorrhage, brain tumor, or hydrocephalus. Most of the presenting headaches are secondary to viral illnesses followed by primary headache and migraine. A detailed initial evaluation is essential to guide toward necessary testing as well as diagnosis.Evaluation and Management of Children and Adolescents Presenting with an Acute SettingMarielle A. Kabbouche, Catalina Cleves10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.004Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-1105108http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000355/abstract?rss=yesOrthostatic intolerance (OI) refers to a group of clinical conditions, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and neurally mediated hypotension (NMH), in which symptoms worsen with upright posture and are ameliorated by recumbence. The main symptoms of chronic orthostatic intolerance syndromes include light-headedness, syncope or near syncope, blurring of vision, headaches, problems with short-term memory and concentration, fatigue, intolerance of low impact exercise, palpitations, chest pain, diaphoresis, tremulousness, dyspnea or air hunger, nausea, and vomiting. This review discusses what is known about the pathophysiology of this disorder, potential treatments, and understanding its role in the patient with chronic headache pain.Orthostatic Intolerance and the Headache PatientKenneth J. Mack, Jonathan N. Johnson, Peter C. Rowe10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.006Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-1109116http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000343/abstract?rss=yesMigraine and epilepsy, more alike than different, are two of the most common conditions faced in pediatric neurology. This review covers the epidemiology of both disorders, similarities and differences which aid in their mutual diagnoses, and predisposing conditions for the combination of both. Treatments for both migraine and epilepsy can be very useful, although rarely completely successful for migraines. Although the abortive agents used are vastly different, the preventative treatments share mostly similarities, and are commonly anticonvulsant drugs.Migraine and EpilepsyEric H. Kossoff, Frederick Andermann10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.005Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-1117122http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/PIIS1071909110000306/abstract?rss=yesA majority of the children presented for evaluation of headache complaints, will have one of the primary headache disorder such as tension-type or migraine. During the course of the evaluation, consideration must be given to the diverse collection of other medical and systemic disorders which may also cause headache in children and adolescents. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of secondary headaches. In majority of the instances, a thorough medical and headache history coupled with physical and neurologic examination will uncover clues to the presence of these other disorders. This will also guide clinical decision making regarding the need for further diagnostic testing, including neuroimaging, electrophysiological testing, or specific laboratory testing.Secondary Headaches in Children and AdolescentsNicholas S. Abend, Donald Younkin, Donald W. Lewis10.1016/j.spen.2010.04.001Seminars in Pediatric Neurology 17, 2 (2010)2010-06-01Seminars in Pediatric Neurology2010-06-01172S1071-9091(10)X0003-1123133