Telemedicine in Pediatric Headache in a Post-COVID-19 World: A Narrative Review and Practical Implementation
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Children and adolescents with headache disorders, particularly migraine |
| I — Intervention | Telemedicine/telehealth consultations for headache management |
| C — Comparator | Traditional in-person headache care |
| O — Outcomes | Clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, access to care, safety, multidisciplinary care coordination |
Bottom Line
This narrative review suggests telemedicine is a viable alternative to in-person care for pediatric headache management, with comparable clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction. The evidence supports telemedicine as particularly valuable for improving access in underserved areas and facilitating multidisciplinary care coordination. Professional societies endorse its use for non-acute headache evaluation. However, as a narrative review, the evidence synthesis lacks the rigor of systematic methodology. Australian clinicians should consider telemedicine integration for pediatric headache care, particularly given geographic access challenges, while ensuring appropriate patient selection and maintaining safety protocols for acute presentations.
Key Findings
P Value: Not reported
Effect Size: Not specified in abstract
Primary Outcome: Clinical outcomes comparable between telemedicine and in-person pediatric headache care
Nnt Or Sensitivity: High patient satisfaction rates reported across studies
Confidence Interval: Not provided
Clinical Application
High feasibility given technological infrastructure and professional society endorsements Highly relevant for Australia's geographic challenges and specialist distribution; aligns with Medicare telehealth initiatives and RACGP telehealth guidelines Children and adolescents with non-acute headache disorders, particularly in areas with limited specialist access
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet access to pediatric headache specialists remains limited due to workforce scarcities and geographic disparities. This review examines the evolution of telemedicine in headache care, evaluates current evidence for safety and efficacy, and explores its role in improving access and multidisciplinary management. RECENT FINDINGS: Randomized trials and observational studies demonstrate that telemedicine provides clinical outcomes comparable to in-person visits with high patient satisfaction and reduced logistical burden. Emerging data support its safety in non-acute headache evaluation as well as benefit of supporting multidisciplinary care. Professional societies, including the American Headache Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics, endorse telemedicine as an appropriate modality for headache management. Telemedicine has matured into a sustainable, evidence-based approach for pediatric headache care. When implemented thoughtfully, it expands access, supports multidisciplinary treatment, and maintains safety, positioning it as an essential component of future headache care delivery models.
References
- 1.Schultz, T., & Rosenthal, S. (2023). Telemedicine in pediatric headache in a post-COVID-19 world: A narrative review and practical implementation. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 27(8), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01129-y
Related Research
Neurosurgical review
Bilateral decompressive craniectomy in pediatric patients: A systematic review.
1 June 2026
Neurosurgical review
Management of pediatric brain arteriovenous malformation: a systematic review of retrospective studies
29 May 2026
European journal of pediatrics
Machine learning-based integration of respiratory oscillometry and spirometry for predicting clinical outcomes in spinal muscular atrophy
13 May 2026
This content is for educational purposes for healthcare professionals only and does not constitute clinical advice. Clinical decisions should be based on individual patient assessment, current guidelines, and appropriate specialist consultation. Editorial Standards · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service