Headaches in children and adolescents have high incidence and prevalence rates, significantly impacting the quality of life and ability to function in academic and social activities. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine and their diagnosis and treatment have seen remarkable progress over the last years. However, this information comes mainly from studies conducted among adults. Few clinical trials have been performed specifically on primary headache in pediatric populations using acute and preventative treatments. Often with conflicting findings, those trials highlight an issue in the patient population inherent to clinical investigations and the subsequent unmet need for effective treatments.

In this episode, Serena Orr, MD, MS, FAHS, The University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Massimiliano Valeriani, MD, PhD, Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy, discuss the current state of pediatric migraine management, including challenges in pediatric research, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions available for pediatric patients and the impact of anxiety and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with migraine.