Fig. 15.1
Migraine without aura. From Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society, (IHS), The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd ed., Cephalalgia (vol. 33 no. 9), copyright 2013. Reprinted by permission of SAGE
In children and adolescents attacks may last 2–72 h. Migraine headache in children is more often bilateral than is the case in adults; unilateral frontotemporal pain usually emerges in late adolescence or early adult life. Occipital headaches in children are rare and suggests diagnostic caution. In young children, photophobia and phonophobia may be inferred from their behavior.
Evaluation and Management
The examination is normal in this case and frequency is stable, so this child does not meet criteria for neurologic imaging. Management should begin with a review of triggers and lifestyle practices to determine modifications. Keeping a regular sleep schedule including on the weekends, carrying a water bottle, avoiding caffeinated and sugared drinks, healthy diet, and using stress management and biofeedback techniques can control headaches. A headache calendar should be kept to describe accurate frequency, and severity. Regular exercise of 45 min at least three times in a week, will help to maintain healthy neurovascular function and should be on the to-do list. Daily preventive medications should be considered if headaches continue to occur more commonly than five times in a month, and co-exists with missing school days or social activities. Other comorbidities such as obesity, sleep difficulties, depression, or anxiety can determine the best preventive option for the patient. Acute treatment of migraine headache should include water intake (32 oz or more) and an accurate dose of NSAID s (e.g., ibuprofen 10 mg/kg) at the onset of symptoms. The combination of an antiemetic medication with triptans and NSAIDs are effective for prolonged refractory episodes. In order to avoid medication overuse headache, NSAIDs should be limited to 3 days in a week, and triptans to 2 days in a week. School arrangements may be necessary with teachers and nurses for medications and also other accommodations as using of resource room during the episodes.
Vignette 4
A 14-year-old boy has a history of headaches since the age of 8, which began with episodic vomiting. He was seen by several neurologists and diagnosed with migraine. He had MRI of his head and neck, and EEG in the past. He has tried several medications including propranolol, topiramate, amitryptyline, and nortryptyline without any significant change in his headache and he is currently on valproic acid. He takes 400 mg of Advil 2 days a week, which sometimes ameliorates symptoms. He was also seen by several gastroenterologists in the past, with a normal work-up. He has been home-schooled for the past year by tutors and his father. His father reported that his son has been working at home due to headaches. The child’s parent’s live separately. A psychologist saw the patient 3 years ago, everything was normal as per father. Patient’s mother also has migraines and is taking Valproic acid daily. Father has infrequent migraines.

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