Abdominal migraines affect children and rarely adults. Children experiencing abdominal migraines may experience severe vomiting and nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, lethargy, sensitivity to light, headache and dizziness as well as pale skin and dark circles under the eyes--although headache is not always present. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that many children who have abdominal migraine will develop migraine headaches later in life.
Medications
Certain drugs are designed to stop or shorten the abdominal migraine itself. Triptan medications, for instance, are a type of drug that work on the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Triptans increase serotonin, which causes blood vessels to constrict and hopefully raises the pain threshold. Periactin is a antihistamine that also effects serotonin and is frequently used to help treat abdominal migraines.
There is no cure for abdominal migraines, and treatment may also consist of medications that help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to help relieve pain--never give aspirin to a child. Antinausea medications may also be used to relieve nausea and vomiting that may accompany abdominal migraine.
Hospitalization
If a child is experiencing severe vomiting and pain and is unable to stay hydrated, hospitalization may be necessary, primarily so the child can receive IV fluids and IV medications to help combat the abdominal migraine.
Other Treatments
Because abdominal migraines can occur every few weeks, it's important to have good home care treatments. Children can learn to recognize early symptoms of abdominal migraines, which will be helpful in treatment, since migraine medications are most effective when taken early. Once an abdominal migraine has begun, maintaining hydration and getting rest in a dark room are important. Avoiding possible food triggers--such as caffeine--can also be important in preventing and treating abdominal migraines.
