title: Homeopathic treatment of migraine in children: results of a prospective, multicenter, observational study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines for the prevention and treatment of migraine in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an observational, prospective, open, nonrandomized, noncomparative, multicenter study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in 12 countries worldwide.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-nine (59) physicians trained in the prescription of homeopathic medicines and 168 children, aged 5-15 years, with definite or probable migraine diagnosed using International Headache Society 2004 criteria were the subjects in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physicians were given complete freedom in terms of treatment prescription; thus, prescriptions were individualized for each patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  The frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks in the 3 months prior to inclusion were compared with those during the 3-month follow-up period. Pertinent data were collected using questionnaires completed by the doctor and the patient or his/her parent/guardian. The secondary outcome measure was the impact of homeopathic medicines on education, measured as absence from school.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks decreased significantly during the 3-month follow-up period (all p<0.001). Preventive treatment during this time consisted of homeopathic medicines in 98% of cases (mean=2.6 medicines/patient). Children spent significantly less time off school during follow-up than before inclusion (2.0 versus 5.5 days, respectively; p<0.001). The most common preventive medicines used were Ignatia amara (25%; mainly 9C), Lycopodium clavatum (22%), Natrum muriaticum (21%), Gelsemium (20%), and Pulsatilla (12%; mainly 15C). Homeopathy alone was used for the treatment of migraine attacks in 38% of cases. The most commonly used medicines were Belladonna (32%; mainly 9C), Ignatia amara (11%; mainly 15C), Iris versicolor (10%; mainly 9C), Kalium phosphoricum (10%; mainly 9C), and Gelsemium (9%; mainly 15C and 30C).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study demonstrate the interest of homeopathic medicines for the prevention and treatment of migraine attacks in children. A significant decrease in the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks was observed and, consequently, reduced absenteeism from school.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoires Boiron, Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France. karine.danno@boiron.fr
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Danno
authors.forename: Aurélie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Colas
authors.forename: Jean-Louis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Masson
authors.forename: Marie-France
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Bordet
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012574:Schools; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D008419:Materia Medica