title: Migraine headaches in children.
abstract: Migraine headaches are common in children and adolescents, and stricter diagnostic criteria have been developed. Children have a variety of migraine syndromes, ranging from frequent, mild, bifrontal headaches to severe debilitating, unilateral pain associated with persistent motor or visual deficits. Neurodiagnostic studies are indicated in those individuals who have accompanying signs or symptoms that raise concern. The treatment of migraine must be individualized and requires more than just the use of pharmacotherapy. Reassurance and the elimination of potential triggering factors are essential components of care. Symptomatic therapy with analgesics and rest often is sufficient. Behavioral therapy, consisting of psychological support, relaxation exercises, and biofeedback training, is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine. Ergotamines are valuable agents for abortive treatment, but should be reserved for use in the older child. Parenteral use of DHE is an effective treatment for the rare child who has an acute severe migraine unresponsive to other therapies. A variety of agents are available for the long-term stabilization of childhood migraine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Singer
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004878:Ergotamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D004878:Ergotamine