Headache and ADHD in Pediatric Age: Possible Physiopathological Links.

Maria Chiara Paolino, Alessandro Ferretti, Maria Pia Villa, Pasquale Parisi

Journal: Current pain and headache reports 2016;19(7):25

PMID: 26049768

Abstract

Primary headache and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common disorders in children and adolescences, frequently associated to severe cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments. They both are a disabling condition with consequences on family and child's quality of life. Literature data on their association are contrasting. Dopaminergic system dysfunction, brain iron deficiency, and sleep disturbance should be considered to better understand headache and ADHD overlap. In this review, we analyze the complex association between these two diseases and the potential impact on child neurodevelopment.

Address: Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Disorders, NESMOS Department, Chair of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy.

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