Table 22 Non-pharmacological treatment of headache in children

Physical examination and reassurance

Exclude other underlying diseases, e.g. stress, psychogenic factors (problems at home, school or/and among friends), depression, anxiety, refraction anomalies, strabismus, eyestrain (computer work/games), oromandibular dysfunction, sinusitis, postural anomaly, passive/active smoking and inexpedient lifestyle

Exclude overuse of analgesics

Inform about disease mechanisms and make sure that the child and his parents understand these

Minimise or eliminate any trigger factors, e.g. stress or unphysiological work postures at school