STOMACH MIGRAINE

Do not always write off your child’s symptoms to the common cold, gas pains or the “flu bug” because the possibility of a stomach migraine should always be ruled out first. A stomach migraine or abdominal migraine is a type of migraine headache that is caused by pain experienced in the abdominal region of the stomach. The abdominal pain is often described as being directly in the middle of the abdomen. This pain can often cause an individual severe nausea which can lead to vomiting. Individuals have also reported diarrhea and even a lack of eating due to the stomach migraine. This type of migraine is found mainly in children over the age of 5 and under age ten but it has been documented in those of a much higher as well as lower age range.

Because there is not a test available to precisely diagnose a stomach migraine, the history of the patient as well as his/her family members is highly reviewed to determine diagnosis. Other medical conditions are possible and need to be ruled out by a physician before a diagnosis can be made. These conditions include: Crohn’s disease, a possible peptic ulcer, gall bladder issues, GERD, IBS, and urogenital disorders. Also, should there be any issues with consciousness, the possibility of a seizure condition must be tested for and ruled out by the physician.

This type of migraine can occur without the headache as well, and symptoms can occur over several hours time and can commonly be experienced for more than 24 hours. The treatment for the stomach migraine is usually prescribed by the family physician and can include: anti-nausea treatments, triptans, and NSAIDS. The age of the affected individual plays an important role in determining the prescription of proper medication. Other therapies such as relaxation techniques, dark rooms, and sleep can also prove effective for the sufferer of a stomach migraine.