A recent study published in Pediatric Neurology reveals that race plays a significant role in how children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with headaches are diagnosed. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 children and found that Black children were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with migraine compared to white children, even when presenting with similar symptoms. Instead, Black children were more frequently diagnosed with “headache, not otherwise specified.”
This disparity in diagnosis can have significant implications for treatment. Migraine-specific treatments, such as triptans, are often more effective than general headache management strategies. The study suggests that implicit bias among healthcare providers may contribute to these diagnostic differences. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of this disparity and to develop interventions to ensure equitable care for all children with headaches. This study highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians about the potential impact of race on headache diagnosis and treatment in pediatric patients.
See: “Race influences headache diagnosis in children presenting to the ED” (February 5, 2025)
