Stomach Pain With Migraine (Abdominal Migraine): Is Your Child At Risk?

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It is likely that you have heard about, or have had experience with migraine headaches - recurrent attacks of pulsating pain that usually occur on one side of the head - but have you ever heard of abdominal migraine?

Stomach pain with migraine, also known as abdominal migraine, is a condition that is most often diagnosed in children and is characterised by stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

It can result in absences from school, emotional distress, and disruption in normal daily activities [1].

What Is Abdominal Migraine In Kids?

It remains unclear as to the cause and the relationship between abdominal migraine and migraine headaches. It is common for children with abdominal migraine to have a family or personal history of migraine headaches, find relief with migraine medications, and experience similar symptoms and triggers [2].

There is also evidence to suggest that abdominal migraines evolve into migraine headaches as children age.

What Causes Abdominal Migraine In Kids?

Researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of this connection. However, it appears that the gut-brain connection seems to have a close connection with the brain. As a result of this link, migraine may cause stomach discomfort and even pain [3].

Research has also shown that stomach pain is associated with more severe headache symptoms.

The following are some possible reasons:

• Migraine headaches and stomach pain may be related to immune system mediators that regulate inflammation.
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) can trigger migraine pain and affect stomach acid levels.
• Neurotransmitters
• Stress hormones [4]

What Are The Symptoms Of Abdominal Migraine In Kids?

Abdominal migraine is characterised by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe stomach pain lasting between one and 72 hours. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and pale appearance.

These symptoms rarely occur in between episodes [5].

Who Is At Risk For Abdominal Migraine?

Most abdominal migraines occur in children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. Most children outgrow the condition, but research on abdominal migraines in adults is just beginning.

It is more likely that a child with a personal or family history of migraine headaches will develop abdominal migraine.

Are Migraine Medicines A Cause Of Abdominal Migraine?

It is common for migraine sufferers to take over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications in order to prevent or reduce their headache symptoms; however, these medications can sometimes cause stomach problems as well [6].

The most common side effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen is gastrointestinal symptoms.

How Is Abdominal Migraine Diagnosed?

In the absence of a test to confirm abdominal migraine, your doctor will make a diagnosis based on specific criteria detailing the type, frequency, and severity of symptoms associated with abdominal migraine. Once all other causes of abdominal pain have been eliminated, the diagnosis is usually made.

How Is Abdominal Migraine Treated?

An abdominal migraine diagnosis generally falls into two categories:

• relieving symptoms during an episode and
• preventing future episodes [7].

A few studies have been conducted on the treatment and management of abdominal migraine, but doctors may prescribe NSAIDs, anti-nausea medications, etc.

On A Final Note...

Consider speaking to a doctor if you or your child suffers from nausea or other abdominal discomforts associated with migraines.

They may be able to provide you with treatment options and provide you with information about underlying conditions that could worsen your symptoms.