A child with headache and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among the pediatric population, with a prevalence of 5.3 %. It is the most common behavioral disorder in school-aged children today, characterized by developmentally inappropriate behavioral symptoms, categorized into three subtypes: inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and combined type. The prevalence of ADHD among children with headaches is still contradictory. The two diseases may influence each other; concentration difficulties, hyperactivity, inappropriate behavioral symptoms, and stress among the family or at school are psychological predictors of headaches. On the other hand, frequent headaches may increase distractibility and further impair learning. We report a case of 11-year-old child, who was brought by his parents to pediatric hospital for a severe and recurrent migraine.