An Abdominal Migraine is defined as frequent abdominal pain without an accompanying headache. It is a different form of a migraine, which is most prevalent in children and adolescents. An abdominal migraine is more common in those with a family history of migraine headaches and it emerges between the ages of 3 and 10 years. Chronic, recurrent abdominal pain occurs in 9-15% of all children and adolescents. Like a migraine, abdominal migraine is also more prevalent in females than males.
Children suffering from an abdominal migraine can develop a migraine with or without aura later in life. Persistent abdominal pain leads to significant disability in children, it is severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Children tend to miss school, and social activities.Adults with past medical history of nonspecific dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional abdominal pain has increased the risk of developing an abdominal migraine.
Abdominal Migraine triggers
The exact cause of an triggers of abdominal migraine is still unknown. One theory which supports an abdominal migraine is excessive anxiety and stress, which leads to natural fluctuation of chemicals histamine and serotonin in the human body. These chemical changes in the body could lead to abdominal migraines. Another theory which is gaining considerable support is that the psychological aspect can cause unexplained abdominal pain. Foods such as chocolates, Chinese foods which contain
Another theory which is gaining considerable support is that the psychological aspect can cause unexplained abdominal pain. Foods such as chocolates, Chinese foods which contain MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) and processed meats that contain chemicals like nitrites might also trigger an abdominal migraine.
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Abdominal Migraine in children symptoms
Children having abdominal migraine suffer from moderate to severe Mid-abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite (Anorexia), paleness, flushing, drowsiness and photophobia. Due to the paleness, many parents of kids with an abdominal migraine assume that the condition is serious.
Abdominal migraines are sudden and severe, the pain may last from 1 hour to 72 hours depending on the severity. They can occur without any cautionary signs and this increases anxiety in the persons who get affected. The symptoms of abdominal migraine are common in both children and adult.
Abdominal Migraine in children diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose an abdominal migraine in children as it is generally mistaken from common stomach aches, stomach flu and gastrointestinal illness. Diagnostic criteria are based on at least 5 abdominal migraine attacks and with the symptoms outlined above, but the most important thing is to take the complete family medical history of a migraine, physical examination and rule out other causes of abdominal pain.
Abdominal Migraine Treatment and Prevention
Treatment usually depends on the age of the patient and is similar to a migraine. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin or Tylenol can help treat an abdominal migraine by providing migraine symptom relief. Triptans can also be given to adults for the treatment of an abdominal migraine, but should be avoided in children.
Tricyclic antidepressants, the valproic acid helps in the treatment of an abdominal migraine. In a study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, USA on abdominal migraine treatment in children , it has been found that the children may benefit from prophylactic treatment with Propranolol or Periactin (Cyproheptadine).
Prevention of an abdominal migraine should be done by stress management, good sleep and by avoiding the food triggers like chocolate, Chinese and processed foods. Living a healthy lifestyle can play a major role in reducing the risk of abdominal migraines. General awareness among the children and adults with abdominal migraines about the causes and symptoms can help in identifying the personal triggers and thus by avoiding those triggers can help in prevention.