Adolescent headache in a changing world: Diverging trends, shared challenges

Headache disorders are among the most common neurological conditions worldwide and a leading cause of disability across the lifespan. Tension-type headache (TTH) is more prevalent, but migraine accounts for most headache-related disability.1 Much of this burden is described in adults, although headache commonly begins much earlier and affects around 1 in 5 children and adolescents worldwide.2 Recurrent headaches at this age can disrupt school attendance, learning, friendships, and quality of life, while migraine in this age group is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms.3,4 Adolescence therefore matters twice over—it is a period in which the development of headache disorders can be observed, and one in which recognition and early management can limit the educational, psychological, and social impact.