Children with brain tumor headaches. Distinguishing features
P. J. Honig and E. B. Charney
We analyzed the history, physical examination findings, and skull
roentgenograms of 72 children with headaches secondary to brain tumors to
determine distinguishing features. Of 56 children, skull roentgenograms
were abnormal in 54% (30). Abnormal findings from either the neurologic or
ocular examination were present in 68 (94%) of these children at the time
of brain tumor diagnosis. These abnormalities developed in 51 of 60
children (85%) within two months of the onset of their headaches. Clues for
earlier diagnosis were frequently present in those patients whose
conditions were diagnosed more than four months after the onset of their
headaches. Recognition of those findings could have resulted in the
diagnosis of brain tumor in 69 of 72 children (96%) within four months of
the onset of headaches. During the first four months of headache
complaints, children should be monitored closely.
