Intense stomach pain is the most prevalent symptom of abdominal migraines. They occur primarily in children but occasionally in adults. In order to diagnose a migraine, a sufferer must experience three of the four symptoms, which are onset, aura, attack and recovery. In abdominal migraines, the attack phase may only include intense stomach pain, or abdominal pain may accompany a headache.
Significance
Migraine treatment costs an estimated $15 billion per year, according to the American Journal of Managed Care. Treatment includes physician care, diagnostics and medication. Unfortunately, abdominal migraines require extensive diagnostic tests to determine if a more serious gastrointestinal disorder is causing the pain. Diagnostic tests will also be more involved if no headache accompanies the migraine.
Identification
An abdominal migraine diagnosis typically refers to a migraine that that lacks a headache; however, intense stomach pain is the only requirement for an abdominal migraine diagnosis. The National Headache Foundation lists many migraine subtypes. Migraines with auras have all four phases of a migraine, and abdominal pain or nausea may be a symptom of migraine onset or recovery. Migraines without auras have headaches but may also be abdominal migraines. All subtypes of migraines may involve some form of stomach pain during onset or recovery; however, most subtypes are diagnosed by the primary symptom they express. For example, hemiplegic migraines require partial paralysis, and silent migraines do not experience a headache during the attack phase.
Causes
The National Headache Foundation and Mayo Clinic indicate that dilation of blood vessels is the primary cause of migraine symptoms; however, no research has proved the exact cause of abdominal migraines. Vomiting, nausea and fatigue are common migraine symptoms. Stomach pain may be instigated by an over-reaction to nausea symptoms. The National Headache Foundation supports this theory with evidence to indicate prescription migraine preventatives stop abdominal migraines.
Home Remedies
Avoiding migraine triggers is the easiest way to prevent abdominal migraines. Log all of your activities before your migraine begins to reveal your unique triggers. Sunlight or flashing light are typical triggers, as well as strong odors and repetitive noises. Cleaning supplies or perfumes may also be both an allergen and trigger.
In order to stop a migraine that has already started, sleep is the best treatment. Sleep tends to reboot your system. Withdrawing to a dark, quiet room may stop the migraine from progressing.
Medication
Anti-epileptic, anti-depressant and beta-blocker medications are typical migraine preventatives, according to the Mayo Clinic. Anti-epileptic medication controls your neuronal response to changes in blood flow to prevent triggering a migraine. Anti-depressants modulate serotonin levels to raise your natural pain threshold, according to the National Migraine Association. The Mayo Clinic indicates that beta blockers improve circulation by reducing the heart's need for oxygen and blood. All of these prescriptions must be taken every day to be effective, and each has its own side effects. After attempting home remedies, beta blockers are often prescribed; however, the risk of excessive bleeding after being cut or injured is possible. Most of these medications are not suitable for women looking to become pregnant.
Warning
Abdominal pain may be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal disorder. Please seek the guidance of your doctor before attempting any home remedies.
