Recognizing and diagnosing abdominal migraines.
Abdominal migraine affects 1% to 4% of children and is a variant of migraine headaches. Onset is seen most often between the ages of 7 to 12 years, with girls affected more often than boys. Presenting symptoms include acute incapacitating non-colicky periumbilical abdominal pain that lasts for 1 or more hours. Pallor, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or headache may be associated with the episodes, and a family history of migraine headaches often is noted. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough history and physical examination and often follows a series of exclusions or elimination of other organic causes. Limited research exists regarding treatment options, but they may include pharmacologic intervention and prevention based on lifestyle modifications.
University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL, USA. popovdm@ufl.edu
Debbie M
DM
Popovich
Denise M
DM
Schentrup
Allison L
AL
McAlhany
D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology*; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014839:Vomiting / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology