Tension-type headache in children and adolescents: comparative study of the effectiveness of preventive therapy methods

Introduction. Late and inaccurate diagnosis of tension-type headache (TTH) leads to the lack of timely rational treatment. In children and adolescents with TTH, the role of comorbid disorders that affect the course of TTH and can contribute to their chronification is not sufficiently taken into account. Meanwhile, with timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of TTH in many children and adolescents, a significant improvement in the disease’s course and the prognosis is achieved, and clinical remission is possible. Considering the high prevalence of TTH among children and adolescents, the decline in their quality of life, and the high frequency of comorbid disorders, it is reasonable to develop effective methods of preventive treatment for TTH in this age group.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of monotherapy with γ-amino-β-phenyl butyric acid hydrochloride, amitriptyline, or breathing gymnastics (comparison group) indicated for two months as a preventive treatment of TTH in children and adolescents in the open randomized comparative study in three parallel groups of patients. 

Material and methods. In an open parallel study, 90 TTH patients aged 8–16 years were divided into three groups of 30 patients (each with 15 boys and 15 girls).

Results. Significant differences with the comparison group in the individual response to therapy were confirmed. According to the criterion of a 50% or more reduction in the average number of headache attacks per month in group 1 (γ-amino-β-phenyl butyric acid hydrochloride), the improvement was achieved in 56.7% of patients, in group 2 (amitriptyline) — in 73.3%, in the 3rd group (breathing gymnastics) — in 30%. According to a more strict criterion for reducing the average number of headache attacks per month by 75% or more, the response to therapy was observed in group 1 in 30%. In group 2 — in 23.3%, in group 3 — in 3.3% of patients. In groups 1 and 2, along with a significant decrease in the frequency, duration, and intensity of TTH attacks, a significant improvement in daily activity, a favorable effect on the manifestations of fatigue, anxiety disorders, and sleep disorders associated with TTH was demonstrated. 

The therapeutic efficacy of breathing gymnastics exercises complex was confirmed in the prevention of TTH with frequency, duration, and intensity reduction of TTH, and diminishing its impact on daily activity, a moderate decrease in manifestations of fatigue, anxiety disorders (by patients’ self-assessment), and improvement in sleep quality.

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