QEEG findings in adolescents complaining of headache

Abstract

Background

Headache is one of the most common neurological symptoms reported in adolescence. The value of electroencephalography (EEG) in the diagnostics of patients with headache is controversial; however, quantitative EEG (QEEG) can clarify the pathophysiology of headache. Aim of the study was to assess QEEG and daily habits in adolescents with or without a clinical history of headache (according to answers of a screening questionnaire), to identify differences, attempt to explain them, and find possible correlations. This cross-sectional study included 89 adolescents; age 18–19 years at time of study, including 24 males. Headache was reported in 58 participant. All consenting subjects filled a questionnaire and underwent a conventional 30 min EEG examination. The mean frequency (Hz) and amplitude (µV) (absolute and relative) of beta (at F7and F8), theta (at C3 and C4), and alpha (at O1 and O2) band points were analyzed.

Results

A comparison of caffeine intake, and mobile phone use in cases versus controls showed no significant differences. QEEG showed statistically significant differences in the findings within alpha freq-O1, alpha freq-O2, and beta freq-F7 (P = 0.041, 0.003, and 0.05, respectively) in adolescents who had headache.

Conclusions

There were significant QEEG changes in the occipital regions and left frontal region in individuals with headache. It is recommended to perform more extensive statistical correlations between QEEG and clinical data should be targeted in future researches, to obtain a clearer view of the relationship between daily habits and the electrophysiology of headache.