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.
Popovich
Debbie M
DM
University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL, USA. popovdm@ufl.edu
Schentrup
Denise M
DM
McAlhany
Allison L
AL
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