Pain neuroscience education (PNE) improves functional outcomes for adults with chronic pain, and may also benefit children with chronic pain.

We assessed pediatric primary headache patients’ baseline understanding of PNE through interviews and standardized questionnaires, and piloted an educational intervention using a 3D brain model.

Patients ages 12-18 with primary headaches completed the validated Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) questionnaire at a regular clinic visit, and completed interviews focused on their concepts of and relation to their pain symptoms, used to tailor education to individual understanding. PNE included presentation of a 3D-printed brain model (printed from a brain MRI) and a ten-minute discussion. The session concluded with a post-intervention COPI to gauge impact on subjects’ views of primary headache.

Seventeen patients completed the interview, pre-intervention COPI, and educational session. Twelve of these participants completed the post-intervention COPI. Comparison of pre- and post- intervention COPI scores revealed an average 9.5 point score increase (p=0.002). Overall low pre-intervention scores suggested a low baseline alignment with the concepts of PNE, additionally supported by interview answers. Participants were generally interested in learning more about PNE, and were teachable as indicated by the significant COPI score increase.

Pediatric primary headache patients are typically not well-versed in central concepts of PNE, but interactive sessions can increase understanding. 3D brain models can be an effective vehicle to delivering PNE. These findings support further research on efficacy of PNE in the setting of pediatric headache.