The prevalence of headache in children worldwide is estimated to be roughly 60%. Only 1:10 pediatric patients with intracranial tumors will present with isolated headache;¹ however, the risk of missing a potentially life-threatening diagnosis can lead to overuse of imaging in headache evaluation. Several prior studies evaluating the role of neuroimaging in children with headache did not demonstrate additional benefit from routine use of MRI or CT screening in identifying intracranial abnormalities not predicted by clinical examination.²

To assess the prevalence of serious neurologic disorders (clinically anticipated and unanticipated) in children presenting with isolated headache.

Prospective observational study conducted in a single UK pediatric headache clinic from 1996 to 2003.