Abdominal migraine affects 1% to 4% of children and is a
variant of migraine headaches. Onset is seen most often
between the ages of 7 to 12 years, with girls affected more
often than boys. Presenting symptoms include acute incapacitating
non-colicky periumbilical abdominal pain that lasts
for 1 or more hours. Pallor, anorexia, nausea, vomiting,
photophobia, or headache may be associated with the episodes,
and a family history of migraine headaches often is
noted. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough history
and physical examination and often follows a series
of exclusions or elimination of other organic causes. Limited
research exists regarding treatment options, but they may
include pharmacologic intervention and prevention
based on lifestyle modifications. J Pediatr Health Care.
(2010) 24, 372-377.