Have you ever experienced recurrent attacks of pulsating pain, which usually happens on one side of the head? That is a migraine headache.
There is also an abdominal migraine, which is commonly found in children and is characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. There is a belief that abdominal migraines are related to headache migraines. However, their relationship remains a mystery.
Discover more about the relationship between abdominal migraines and headache migraines below in the article. Read on to learn more.
Similarities Between Abdominal Migraines and Headache Migraines
Since abdominal migraines are commonly found in children, it has been found that they have a personal or family history of migraines. Also, headache migraine treatment is known to provide relief to abdominal pain symptoms.
Meaning the two conditions have the same symptoms and share similar triggers. As children are prone to abdominal migraines, then they can suffer from classic migraine headaches.
Therefore it is believed that abdominal migraines evolve into migraine headaches as children grow up. The two conditions share triggers, like exposure to bright light, stress, skipping meals, poor sleep, caffeine, foods containing chocolate and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Abdominal Migraine
It is a condition that is rare and poorly understood. It is common in children and is characterized by nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. It leads to emotional distress, children missing school, and disruptions in normal activities.
It’s cause is still unknown, however, it is believed to have similar triggers as those that cause migraine headaches. The triggers are skipping meals, stress, exposure to bright light, caffeine, and others.
Who Is at Risk?
Abdominal migraines mostly affect children. The first episode usually occurs between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. However, most children outgrow it, though there are rare abdominal migraine cases in adults.
Children with a personal or family history of migraine headaches stand higher chances of developing abdominal migraines.
Symptoms of Abdominal Migraine
The most common symptoms of abdominal migraine are recurrent episodes of severe stomach pain that lasts between 1 and 72 hours. The stomach pain can be moderate to severe depending on the severity of the condition.
Other symptoms include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and pale appearance. These symptoms hardly occur between episodes.
Diagnosis
There is no single test to confirm abdominal migraine. Rather it is a combination of tests and examinations that lead to abdominal migraine diagnosis. When you or your child presents with the above symptoms, you need to go see your doctor to rule out other conditions.
Based on specific criteria, the doctor will look at the type of pain, rate at which symptoms present, and the severity of abdominal migraine associated symptoms. They will then make a diagnosis after ruling out all other causes of abdominal pain.
Treatment
Treatment of abdominal migraines can be categorized in two parts; preventing future episodes and relieving symptoms. These will be determined by the doctor according to his findings. We will focus on discussing home remedies that can relieve the symptoms of this condition.
Home Remedies
It is important that you first understand the trigger. You can study the trend to know the real trigger. Once you identify it, do away with it. There is no reason why a child should be exposed to very bright light. You can switch off the TV, turn off lights, and encourage them to rest.
Also, ensure they take lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. Also, avoid foods that contain caffeine, chocolate, and other triggers. Allow the affected child to have enough rest and if symptoms persist, visit your doctor.
Conclusion
Migraine headaches and abdominal migraines are known to be related. The two conditions are known to be treated with the same medication. Make sure to consider this information if you struggle with migraines.
