Gastroenterology

What is abdominal migraine?

Abdominal migraine is a type of migraine headache that is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, with or without headache. The abdominal pain is usually moderate to severe and can last for several hours to a few days. Other symptoms that may accompany abdominal migraine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal bloating.

Abdominal migraine is more common in children than adults, and is estimated to affect up to 5% of school-aged children. The exact cause of abdominal migraine is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to genetic and environmental factors, as well as changes in the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Diagnosis of abdominal migraine can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A healthcare professional will perform a thorough medical evaluation and may order additional tests, such as imaging studies or stool tests, to help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Treatment for abdominal migraine may involve lifestyle changes, such as stress management techniques and regular exercise, as well as medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anti-nausea drugs, to relieve the symptoms. In some cases, preventive medications, such as beta-blockers, may be recommended to reduce the frequency and severity of the abdominal migraine episodes.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of abdominal migraine, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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