Headache in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

At present it is plausible to consider the gastrointestinal (GI) complaints in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) children as migraine equivalents because the comorbidity of headache and ASD has been demonstrated. Difficulties in firmly establishing a relationship arise from the fact that diagnostic criteria for migraine rely exclusively on history, and on the other hand, young patients with ASD often show difficulties in language and communication which makes it difficult for them to communicate symptoms and explain the kind of disturbances they are experiencing. Additional evidence is awaited from complimentary and instrumental evaluations such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that may shed light on the mechanisms and the relationship between the two disorders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)