Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Abdominal Migraine, Pediatric
An abdominal migraine is a type of abdominal pain that occurs mainly in children. The pain usually occurs in the middle of the abdomen, near the belly button. The pain occurs in attacks that usually last at least 2 hours and may go on for up to 72 hours.
Abdominal migraines are related to the type of migraine that causes headaches in adults. Most children who have abdominal migraine eventually outgrow the condition. In rare cases, these attacks can last into adulthood. Children with abdominal migraine commonly develop migraine headaches as adults.
What are the causes?
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Stress.
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Not getting enough sleep.
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Eating certain foods.
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A type of allergic reaction in the digestive system.
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Travel.
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Going for long periods of time without eating.
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Bright or flickering lights.
What increases the risk?
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Is 3–10 years old.
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Has a family history of migraine.
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Is female.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The main symptom of this condition is a pain attack that comes and goes.
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Loss of appetite.
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Nausea.
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Vomiting.
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Paleness (pallor).
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Flushing.
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Sensitivity to bright light (photophobia).
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Headache.
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Changes in mood or behavior.
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Diarrhea.
Your child may have trouble describing or identifying the area of the pain. Between attacks, there are usually no symptoms. The pain is usually severe enough to prevent normal activities.
How is this diagnosed?
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Having had at least five attacks.
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Having had attacks that last from 2 to 72 hours.
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Having had attacks that involve moderate to severe pain in the middle area of the abdomen.
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Having had pain in the abdomen that occurs along with at least two other symptoms.
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Having had attacks for which your child’s health care provider can find no other cause.
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Blood tests.
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Urine tests.
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Stool tests.
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Imaging studies.
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A procedure to examine the digestive tract with a flexible telescope (endoscopy or colonoscopy).
How is this treated?
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Mild attacks and attacks that do not happen often can be treated with:
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Over-the-counter pain medicines.
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Rest in a quiet and dark room.
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A bland or liquid diet until the attack passes.
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Severe attacks and attacks that happen often may be treated with migraine medicines. These may include:
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Medicines to stop a migraine attack (triptans).
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Medicines to prevent an attack. These may include some types of antidepressants and beta blockers.
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Medicines to relieve nausea and vomiting.
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Medicines to reduce stomach acid.
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If nausea and vomiting result in dehydration, your child may be treated in a hospital using medicines and IV fluids.
Follow these instructions at home:
Eating and drinking
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Keep a regular schedule for meals.
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Give enough fluid to keep your child’s urine pale yellow. Ask the health care provider how much fluid your child should have.
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Keep a food diary to find out what foods might trigger your child’s migraine attacks.
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Avoid feeding your child foods that commonly trigger migraines. These include:
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Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, soda, or tea.
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Chocolate.
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Cheese.
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Citrus foods, such as oranges, lemons, or grapefruit.
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Foods that contain artificial coloring.
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Food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
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Ham and salami.
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To help prevent morning attacks, give your child a fiber supplement or a small snack shortly before bedtime or as directed by your child’s health care provider.
General instructions
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Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
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Some medicines can cause side effects. Ask the health care provider what side effects to watch for.
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Find ways to reduce stress for your child.
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Keep a regular schedule for nap time and bedtime. Make sure your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
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Avoid situations that can cause motion sickness. If you are traveling with your child, take frequent breaks.
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Help your child avoid very bright light or glare.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your child’s abdominal migraine attacks get worse or happen more often.
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Medicines given for abdominal migraine are not working or are causing side effects.
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Your child develops symptoms of dehydration. Symptoms may include:
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Dry mouth.
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Extreme thirst.
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Dry skin.
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Decreased urine output.
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Severe tiredness (fatigue).
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Your child’s abdominal pain occurs with fever, diarrhea, bloody stool, or pain in a different location than usual.
Get help right away if:
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Your child’s symptoms get worse than usual or are different from those he or she has had in the past.
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Your child’s vomiting is severe and persistent.
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Your child’s behavior changes and you are worried about it.
Summary
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An abdominal migraine is a type of abdominal pain that occurs mainly in children.
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The pain usually occurs in the middle of the abdomen, near the belly button.
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Your child may have trouble describing or identifying the area of the pain. Between attacks, there are usually no symptoms.
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To help prevent the condition, make sure that your child has a regular sleep routine and that he or she stays hydrated, avoids trigger foods, and avoids things that cause stress.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
