Anatomy of a Headache

Dr. Robbins Free Medical
Radio Podcasts



Long-Acting Opioids for
Refractory Chronic
Migraine

Study results for a group
of difficult-to-treat
migraineurs provide a
basis for determining
efficacy and guidelines
for the use of long-term
opioids in this
population.

 

Heather’s Chronic
Migraine: an Interactive
Case History

This column will take you,
step by step, through
the diagnosis of a complex
headache patient with
the pseudonym of "Heather."

 

ROBBINS HEADACHE CLINIC

60 Revere Drive, Suite 330, Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: 847-480-9399

Title:
Symptoms of Migraine in the Pediatric Population by Age Group
Author:
Eidlitz-Markus T, Gorali O, et al.
Date:
Posted: November 2009
Source:
Cephalagia  2008; 28:1259-1263

The revised criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) for pediatric headache do not differentiate among age groups. This study aims to determine if different symptoms of migraine are specific or typical of different age groups of children.

The files of 160 children (79 boys, 81 girls) with migraine treated at the pediatric headache clinic of a tertiary center were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on the criteria of the IHS. The patients were divided by age into three groups according to educational status (preschool, elementary school, secondary school), and compared by symptoms and signs. Symptoms of migraine with and without aura were also compared. There was no significant difference among the groups in rates of unilateral headache, phonophobia, photophobia, awakening pain, nausea or worsening of pain during physical activity. The parameters found to be statistically significant were dizziness and duration of migraine, and aura which increased with time. Frequency of attacks increased with age. The single statistically significant parameter found to be more frequent in younger age was vomiting. The statistically significant parameters of nausea and duration of migraine were more frequent in migraine with aura compared with migraine without aura. In conclusion, most of the migraine symptoms included in the 2004 recommendations of the IHS are not typical for specific pediatric age groups, probably because brain maturity is a continuous process. A familial history of migraine is a frequent finding among all age groups and should be considered in the pediatric criteria, especially in younger children in whom diagnosis is more difficult. Vomiting may help the diagnosis of migraine in young children with a familial history of migraine.

Home | About Us | Archives & Topical Index | Doctors' Blog | Headache Books | Links | Search

Copyright © 2002-  Lawrence Robbins, MD
All Rights Reserved.
This site is maintained by MICE Creative Services   Contact: