Kiel, August 19, 2020. Headaches are already widespread among children and adolescents in Schleswig-Holstein. This is shown in the new headache report from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance company, which was presented today in Berlin. According to the report, one in eight Schleswig-Holstein residents between the ages of 15 and 19 suffers from medically diagnosed headaches (12.5 percent). In addition, there is an unknown number of sufferers who treat headaches with self-medication. Among children up to 14 years of age, 3.7 percent are under medical treatment for headaches.

“It’s astonishing that so many young people are already affected by headaches. That’s why it’s all the more important for parents to be sensitive to the issue and take their children’s complaints seriously,” says Sören Schmidt-Bodenstein, head of the TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) state office in Schleswig-Holstein. This is especially true for the various forms of migraine, which can cause severe pain and disability, placing an enormous burden on the daily lives of children and adolescents. The report shows that around one in three (32.1 percent) of adolescents suffering from headaches have migraines. Among children with headaches, the figure is 19.6 percent.

How to recognize a migraine

Migraine and headache are often used synonymously in everyday language. However, there are significant differences, explains Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel from the Kiel Pain Clinic:

“Today, over 367 main types of headaches are distinguished. Extensive new insights into their development, diagnosis, and effective treatment have been gained in recent years. Migraines are characterized by their episodic occurrence, with attacks lasting from four to 72 hours. The severe or very severe headaches have a throbbing, pulsating character and significantly impair daily activities. They worsen with physical activity, so bed rest is usually necessary. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise and light are typical accompanying symptoms. In approximately ten percent of attacks, neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, dizziness, paresthesia, speech disorders, paralysis, and altered consciousness can occur.”

Headache information for children

The neurologist and pain therapist emphasizes that knowledge and targeted prevention are crucial steps in the treatment of migraines and headaches. Daily routine planning, diet, relaxation breaks, exercise, and sleep patterns all have a significant impact on headaches and migraines. Regular meals and sufficient periods of rest and relaxation should therefore be an integral part of children's and adolescents' daily lives.

New headache guide book for children

This health-promoting behavior is illustrated by the illustrator Eva Ernst and Prof. Hartmut Göbel in their collaborative children's book, "Goodbye Headaches...Be Animal Fit," which includes an information section for parents. This free book for children and teenagers, published by the Kiel Pain Clinic with the support of the Techniker Krankenkasse (a German health insurance company) in August 2020, is available to everyone. It can be downloaded free of charge from the internet or requested free of charge from the Kiel Pain Clinic by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope (see address below).

  • The book "Goodbye Headache" can be downloaded for free as an online version at schmerzklinik.de/kopfweh-ade
  • Alternatively, a free book version can be requested by sending a self-addressed, stamped DIN A4 envelope (postage 1.90 Euro) to the Pain Clinic Kiel, Heikendorfer Weg 9-27, 24149 Kiel
  • Migraine app download: http://qrco.de/migraene-app

The figures refer to children and adolescents who received a diagnosis of headache or migraine during a doctor's visit. The complete headache report is available on the TK press portal (search number 2088710). Further information about the report, such as infographics and interviews, can also be found there.