Specific features of migraine syndromein children

Abstract

The aim of the study was to define factors that can be used to distinguish migraine headaches from primary non-migraine headaches. Specific characteristics of headaches were analysed in 30 636 children aged 3-17; 18.97% had recurrent primary non-migraine headaches, whereas 8.63% had migraine headaches. Migraine attacks follow identical patterns (94.9%): occurring monthly (78.0%), occurring in morning hours (58.5%), lasting for several hours (45.1%) and ending after sleep (76.7%). Nausea, vomiting impulse and vomiting are basic present elements of migraine attacks in children. Canonical discriminate analysis defined the following statistically significant factors, which can distinguish migraine headaches from primary non-migraine headaches in children: relief after sleep (0.945), vomiting impulse (0.945), photophobia (0.523), nausea (0.379), phonophobia (0.354) and vomiting (0.330). © Springer-Verlag Italia 2006.