Specialties & Conditions Headache Program
Pediatric Headache Program
Pediatric headache and migraine are common complaints among children requiring special attention. Almost 60% of children will complain about a headache at some point in their lives. Migraines are a particularly burdensome headache disorder, affecting about 8% of children and up to 15% of adolescents. Lurie Children’s Pediatric Headache Program aims to find the most therapeutic treatment plan for every individual headache patient.
The Lurie Children's Difference
Pediatric headache and migraine can be quite debilitating, requiring a comprehensive and patient-based approach to treatment. Our Pediatric Headache Program team takes time to consider each individual patient and the possible contributing factors to their headache. We have an integrative approach to treatment including headache lifestyle counseling, herbal supplements and evidence-based medications in an individualized treatment plan. We are involved in cutting-edge clinical research trials for new pediatric migraine treatments.
For the patients that qualify, we offer a headache procedure clinic. These procedures include supraorbital nerve blocks, occipital nerve blocks, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks and trigger point injections. In the future we plan to implement botox injections for our adolescent patients with intractable migraine.
Conditions We Treat
- Migraine with aura
- Migraines without aura
- Atypical migraine
- Abdominal migraine
- Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood
- Cluster headache
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome
- Hemicrania continua
- Hemiplegic migraine
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension/Pseudotumor cerebri
- Medication overuse headache
- New daily persistent headache
- Occipital neuralgia
- Paroxysmal hemicrania
- Post-concussive headache
- Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms (SUNA)
- Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)
- Supraorbital neuralgia
- Tension-type headache
- Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Our Specialists
Alma Bicknese, MD
Director, Headache Program
Anisa F. Kelley, MD
Associate Director, Headache Program
Leon G. Epstein, MD
Division Head, Neurology
Laurie G. Thompson, PhD
Headache Psychologist
Leslie Sondeen-Opila, APRN, NP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neurology
What to Expect
During your visit, your child will be evaluated at one of our outpatient locations. Our headache specialists are available at our outpatient centers in Lincoln Park, New Lenox and Arlington Heights.
Additional testing and consultation may be arranged depending on your child’s condition. These tests or consultations may include:
- Laboratory testing
- Brain MRI or other imaging studies
- Psychology or psychiatry consultation
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's neurologic needs.
Resources
View the following physician-recommended resources for more information:
