Vestibular Migraine of Childhood and Recurrent Vertigo of Childhood: Diagnostic criteria Consensus document of the Committee for the Classification of Vestibular Disorders of the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society.

This paper describes the diagnostic criteria for "Vestibular Migraine of Childhood", "probable Vestibular Migraine of Childhood" and "Recurrent Vertigo of Childhood" as put forth by the Committee for the Classification of Vestibular Disorders of the Bárány Society (ICVD) and the Migraine Classification subgroup of the International Headache Society. Migraine plays an important role in some subgroups of children with recurrent vertigo. In this classification paper a spectrum of three disorders is described in which the migraine component varies from definite to possibly absent. These three disorders are: Vestibular Migraine of Childhood, probable Vestibular Migraine of Childhood and Recurrent Vertigo of Childhood. The criteria for Vestibular Migraine of Childhood (VMC) include (A) at least five episodes with vestibular symptoms of moderate or severe intensity, lasting between five minutes and 72 hours, (B) a current or past history of migraine with or without aura, and (C) at least half of episodes are associated with at least one migraine feature. Probable Vestibular Migraine of Childhood (probable VMC) is considered when at least three episodes with vestibular symptoms of moderate or severe intensity, lasting between five minutes and 72 hours, are accompanied by at least criterion B or C from the VMC criteria. Recurrent Vertigo of Childhood (RVC) is diagnosed in case of at least three episodes with vestibular symptoms of moderate or severe intensity, lasting between 1 minute and 72 hours, and none of the criteria B and C for VMC are applicable. For all disorders, the age of the individual needs to be below 18 years old. It is recommended that future research should particularly focus on RVC, in order to investigate and identify possible subtypes and its links or its absence thereof with migraine.

Episodic and chronic migraine in children.

Migraine is the most common acute and recurrent headache syndrome in children. This condition has unique clinical characteristics in the pediatric population, that can evolve with age, and significantly impact a child's quality of life, affecting their education, socialization, and family life. The purpose of this review is to describe the varied clinical features of migraine seen in children, and discuss potential treatment options for pediatric migraine, including chronic migraine. In many patients a multifaceted approach involving lifestyle changes, treatment of comorbid conditions, and pharmacological treatments are needed for optimal headache control. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Migraine presents as various phenotypes in children, sometimes evolving as the child ages. An expanded range of treatment options exists for the challenging chronic migraine patient.

MIGRAÑA CRÓNICA Y EPISÓDICA EN NIÑOS: La migraña es la cefalea sindromática más común y recurrente en niños. Esta condición tiene características clínicas únicas en la población pediátrica, que puede evolucionar con la edad, e impacta significativamente la calidad de vida del niño, afecta su educación, socialización y su vida familiar. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir la variabilidad de las características clínicas de la migraña observadas en el niño y se discute las potenciales opciones terapéuticas para la migraña pediátrica, incluyendo la migraña crónica. En muchos pacientes, un abordaje multifacético que incluya cambios en el estilo de vida, tratamiento de condiciones comórbidas, y, tratamiento farmacológico, son necesarias para un óptimo control de las cefaleas.

ENXAQUECA EPISÓDICA E CRÔNICA EM CRIANÇAS: Enxaqueca é a síndrome de dores de cabeça aguda e recorrente mais comum em crianças. Esta condição tem características clínicas únicas na população pediátrica que podem evoluir com a idade, e impactar significativamente a qualidade de vida da criança, afetando sua educação, socialização e vida em família. O propósito desta revisão é descrever os variados aspectos clínicos da enxaqueca em crianças, e discutir potenciais opções de tratamento para a enxaqueca pediátrica, incluindo a enxaqueca crônica. Em muitos pacientes uma abordagem multifacetada envolvendo mudanças no estilo de vida, tratamento de condições comórbidas, e tratamentos farmacológicos é necessária para o controle adequado da dor de cabeça.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Review of Current Literature.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is efficacious in preventing complications of human papillomavirus infection including cervical cancer. However, there have been case reports of adverse events occurring after vaccination, one being postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This article reviews published data and other available information regarding the relationship between the human papillomavirus vaccine and POTS. Background information is provided regarding the human papillomavirus vaccine and the proposed post-vaccination adverse event POTS. Peer-reviewed literature, statements by government and medical advisory committees, and publicly available information published on this topic are examined. At this time, there is no conclusive evidence supporting a causal relationship between the human papillomavirus vaccine and POTS. Though a causal relationship has been postulated, it is of utmost importance to recognize that while temporal associations may be observed, conclusions of causality cannot be drawn from case reports and case series due to the small sample size and lack of control population.

Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias in Children and Adolescents: Cluster Headache and Related Conditions.

Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder that can occur in children and adolescents, and is a member of the broader diagnostic group of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. It is characterized by repeated attacks typically lasting between 15 and 180 minutes of severe unilateral side-locked headache with cranial autonomic features. Acute treatment of the cluster attack can include the use of triptans or high-flow oxygen. Preventive measures typically start with the use of verapamil. The other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, paroxysmal hemicrania, short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with cranial autonomic features (SUNAA), have also been reported in children, and should be considered when the clinical presentation is at all unusual.

New Daily Persistent Headache Is Most Likely to Begin at the Start of School.

This study was performed to determine if there were a time of year that children were more likely to transition into a chronic daily headache. We retrospectively reviewed records of 103 patients with chronic migraine and 104 patients with new daily persistent headache. Of these, 56 chronic migraine and 92 new daily persistent headache patients were able to identify the specific month in which they began to experience daily headaches. Thirty-nine percent of new daily persistent headache patients had an onset of daily headache in either September or January, months traditionally associated with the start of the school semester in the United States. Only a single patient reported onset in May or June. Data for the transition from episodic to chronic migraine also showed higher rates in September and January, but did not reach statistical significance. These data demonstrate the higher rates of new daily persistent headache onset during school start months and question what factors may be responsible for this association.

Managing Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Clinical Review.

Chronic pain in children and adolescents can be difficult for a single provider to manage in a busy clinical setting. Part of this difficulty is that pediatric chronic pain not only impacts the child but also the families of these children. In this review article, we discuss etiology and pathophysiology of chronic pain, along with variables that impact the severity of chronic pain and functional loss. We review diagnosis and management of selected chronic pain conditions in pediatric patients, including headache, low back pain, hypermobility, chronic fatigue, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome. For each condition, we create a road map that contains therapy prescriptions, exercise recommendations, and variables that may influence pain severity. Potential medications for these pain conditions and associated symptoms are reviewed. A multidisciplinary approach for managing children with these conditions, including pediatric pain rehabilitation programs, is emphasized. Lastly, we discuss psychological factors and interventions for pediatric chronic pain and potential complementary and alternative natural products and interventions.

Abnormal movements in children with migraine.

The cause and treatment of functional movement disorders and nonepileptic spells in children is poorly understood, and an association with migraine has not previously been reported. We retrospectively reviewed children diagnosed with chronic or episodic migraine at our institution from 2006 to 2013 to determine the proportion with nonorganic movement disorders, their phenomenology, provoking factors, and natural history. Thirty-two patients were identified, representing 4.3% of patients with chronic migraine and 0.9% of patients with episodic migraine. Twenty-four of the 32 (75%) had chronic migraine, whereas 8 (25%) had episodic migraine. Nonepileptic spells was the most common phenomenon in both cohorts, followed by tremor and functional gait disorders. Severe migraine attacks preceded these movements in the majority of patients. With appropriate migraine therapy, significant reduction or resolution of these movements was reported. We conclude that nonorganic movement disorders are observed in pediatric migraine, are more prevalent among chronic migraineurs, and can resolve with improved pain control.

Adolescent fatigue, POTS, and recovery: a guide for clinicians.

Many teenagers who struggle with chronic fatigue have symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction that may include lightheadedness, headaches, palpitations, nausea, and abdominal pain. Inadequate sleep habits and psychological conditions can contribute to fatigue, as can concurrent medical conditions. One type of autonomic dysfunction, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is increasingly being identified in adolescents with its constellation of fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, and excessive postural tachycardia (more than 40 beats/min). A family-based approach to care with support from a multidisciplinary team can diagnose, treat, educate, and encourage patients. Full recovery is possible with multi-faceted treatment. The daily treatment plan should consist of increased fluid and salt intake, aerobic exercise, and regular sleep and meal schedules; some medications can be helpful. Psychological support is critical and often includes biobehavioral strategies and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help with symptom management. More intensive recovery plans can be implemented when necessary.

Evidence-based guideline update: vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy: report of the guideline development subcommittee of the american academy of neurology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence since the 1999 assessment regarding efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy, currently approved as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in patients >12 years. METHODS: We reviewed the literature and identified relevant published studies. We classified these studies according to the American Academy of Neurology evidence-based methodology. RESULTS: VNS is associated with a >50% seizure reduction in 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50%-59%) of 470 children with partial or generalized epilepsy (13 Class III studies). VNS is associated with a >50% seizure reduction in 55% (95% CI 46%-64%) of 113 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) (4 Class III studies). VNS is associated with an increase in ≥50% seizure frequency reduction rates of ~7% from 1 to 5 years postim-plantation (2 Class III studies). VNS is associated with a significant improvement in standard mood scales in 31 adults with epilepsy (2 Class III studies). Infection risk at the VNS implantation site in children is increased relative to that in adults (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI 1.0-11.2). VNS is possibly effective for seizures (both partial and generalized) in children, for LGS-associated seizures, and for mood problems in adults with epilepsy. VNS may have improved efficacy over time. RECOMMENDATIONS: VNS may be considered for seizures in children, for LGS-associated seizures, and for improving mood in adults with epilepsy (Level C). VNS may be considered to have improved efficacy over time (Level C). Children should be carefully monitored for site infection after VNS implantation. Neurology® 2013;81:1-7.

Evidence-based guideline update: vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence since the 1999 assessment regarding efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy, currently approved as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in patients >12 years. METHODS: We reviewed the literature and identified relevant published studies. We classified these studies according to the American Academy of Neurology evidence-based methodology. RESULTS: VNS is associated with a >50% seizure reduction in 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50%-59%) of 470 children with partial or generalized epilepsy (13 Class III studies). VNS is associated with a >50% seizure reduction in 55% (95% CI 46%-64%) of 113 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) (4 Class III studies). VNS is associated with an increase in ≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction rates of ≈ 7% from 1 to 5 years postimplantation (2 Class III studies). VNS is associated with a significant improvement in standard mood scales in 31 adults with epilepsy (2 Class III studies). Infection risk at the VNS implantation site in children is increased relative to that in adults (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI 1.0-11.2). VNS is possibly effective for seizures (both partial and generalized) in children, for LGS-associated seizures, and for mood problems in adults with epilepsy. VNS may have improved efficacy over time. RECOMMENDATIONS: VNS may be considered for seizures in children, for LGS-associated seizures, and for improving mood in adults with epilepsy (Level C). VNS may be considered to have improved efficacy over time (Level C). Children should be carefully monitored for site infection after VNS implantation.

Deep brain stimulation in tourette syndrome: a description of 3 patients with excellent outcome.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder often starting in childhood and characterized by the presence of multiple motor and vocal tics and psychiatric comorbidities. Patients with TS usually respond to medical treatment, and the condition often improves during adolescence; however, surgery has been considered a possible approach for the subset of patients with ongoing medically refractory disease. Ablative procedures have been associated with unsatisfactory results and major adverse effects, prompting trials of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an alternative therapy. It remains unclear which of the various nuclear targets is most effective in TS. We describe 3 patients with TS who underwent DBS targeting the bilateral thalamic centromedian/parafascicular complex (CM/Pf) with an excellent clinical outcome. At 1-year follow-up, the mean reduction in the total Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score in the 3 patients was 70% (range, 60%-80%).Our study further supports the role of the CM/Pf DBS target in medically intractable TS.

Successful treatment of type 1 diabetes and seizures with combined ketogenic diet and insulin.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The deficiency of insulin leads to metabolic decompensation, causing hyperglycemia and ketosis that resolves with the administration of insulin and fluids. However, an induced state of ketosis is the basis for the success of the ketogenic diet (KD), which is an effective therapy for children with intractable epilepsy. We report the case of a 2-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with 1-week history of decreased activity, polyuria, and decreased oral intake. Her past medical history was remarkable for epilepsy, for which she was started on the KD with a significant improvement. Her laboratory evaluation was compatible with DKA, and fluids and insulin were given until correction. Because of concerns regarding recurrence of her seizures, the KD was resumed along with the simultaneous use of insulin glargine and insulin aspart. Urine ketones were kept in the moderate range to keep the effect of ketosis on seizure control. Under this combined therapy, the patient remained seizure-free with no new episodes of DKA.