Abdominal migraine (migraine in the stomach)

Definition

What is abdominal migraine (abdominal migraine)?

As the name suggests, abdominal migraine is a migraine that occurs not on the head but on the stomach. However, abdominal migraines often result from the same triggers as migraine headaches. Abdominal migraines can be very painful and cause nausea, cramps, and even vomiting.

Children whose family members have migraines are more at risk for developing abdominal migraines.

Children who get stomach migraines usually experience migraine headaches as they grow up. Abdominal migraines usually occur in infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents.

Abdominal migraines are also usually experienced by young people who will later suffer migraine attacks. However, severe stomach pain can also occur in migraine attacks in adults. Sometimes this is called a gastric migraine or migraine of the stomach.

Abdominal migraines often go undiagnosed in adults. Therefore, when adult men and women experience symptoms, other syndromes or disorders will be considered first, such as bowel syndrome, acid reflux or lactose intolerance.

How common are stomach migraines?

Some studies have assessed that one to four percent of children suffer from abdominal migraines, while other studies say that about 10 percent of children experience recurrent abdominal pain at some point in their childhood.

Children with abdominal migraines usually have a family history of migraines. Sixty-five percent of cases of abdominal migraine or cyclic vomiting have a migraine-related family history.

However, this can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Characteristics and symptoms

What are the features and symptoms of abdominal migraines?

The first signs and symptoms of abdominal migraine are pain in the center of the child's body or around the navel (not on the side), which doctors call midline abdominal pain. Some of the other signs and symptoms of this condition can include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Pale or red skin
• Yawning, drowsiness, or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or not being able to eat
• Dark circles under the eyes

Abdominal migraines often occur suddenly and are quite severe, and without warning signs. The pain can go away after an hour, or it can last up to 3 days.

When to see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening of other medical conditions and emergencies, so consult your doctor as soon as possible to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes abdominal migraines?

Until now, there was no known exact cause of stomach migraines. One theory is that changes in the levels of two compounds produced by the body, namely histamine and serotonin, are the cause. Experts think that feeling sad or worried can be a trigger too.

Foods, such as chocolate, foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), and processed meats with nitrites, can trigger stomach migraines.

Ingesting lots of air can also trigger or cause similar stomach symptoms. This can cause bloating and difficulty eating.

Triggers

Who is at risk for abdominal migraines?

Most children with abdominal migraines have a family history of migraines, and most continue to develop migraines as adults.

Diagnosis

How is abdominal migraine diagnosed?

It seems difficult to diagnose this condition because children often have difficulty distinguishing between stomach migraines and common stomach pain, stomach flu, or other problems related to the stomach and intestines.

Since abdominal migraines tend to run in families, the doctor will ask about family members who experience migraine headaches.

Then, the doctor will eliminate other causes for stomach pain. The doctor will also see how well your child's symptoms match a specific list made by migraine experts.

If your doctor suspects that you have abdominal migraines, he or she may do a thorough examination to determine this condition.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How to treat abdominal migraines?

Since not much is known about abdominal migraines, doctors will treat them just like any migraine in general. They do not usually prescribe medicines unless symptoms are very severe or occur very frequently.

Medications such as rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex), which are called triptans have not been approved for use in children, although older children may find it helpful to use sumatriptan as a nasal spray.

What can be done to treat stomach migraines?

With the help of parents and doctors, children with abdominal migraines can find out what triggers them. Keep a diary with the date and time of stomach migraines, what foods they ate before, what they did before they started abdominal migraines, whether they took any recent medications, and whether anything is going on in their life that might make them depressed or anxious.

If foods are triggers for stomach migraines, try to avoid these foods. However, this may not work for everyone.

Children with abdominal migraines should follow a nutritious diet that is high in fiber. Other healthy habits, such as daily exercise and getting enough sleep, and teaching children how to control their emotions and deal with their problems, can also help.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.