Behavioral assessment and treatment of pediatric headache.

Andrasik et al. (2006) wrote a narrative review. They pulled together studies on behavioral ways to assess and treat headaches in children.

The paper is not a new experiment. It is a map of tools you can use right now.

Four main choices emerged: contingency management, relaxation, biofeedback, and CBT.

The authors say tracking pain with a simple diary is key to any plan.

Baer et al. (1984) ran an RCT with adults and found group relaxation beats wait-list. Frank’s review later lists relaxation for kids, so the adult win helped seed pediatric use.

Higgins et al. (2021) showed BST teaches parents to run interventions at home. Frank mentions parent-driven plans; the 2021 paper gives you the training script to make it happen.

Neuringer et al. (2007) found pain spikes problem behavior in minimally verbal children. Frank’s review and this case series together scream: treat the headache first, then the behavior may drop.

You now have a short menu: relaxation, biofeedback, CBT, or contingency management. Pick one that fits your setting and start a pain diary today. Tracking plus one evidence-based tactic gives families relief without extra medication.