An update on acute and preventive treatments for migraine in children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION

Migraine is diagnosed in 5% of children in the United States by the age of ten. The estimated prevalence for children with migraine is 10%. It has become increasingly important to diagnose children and adolescents with migraine as they are disabling. Children are more likely to miss school and activities due to headaches compared to other children. In addition, poor management and treatment in children and adolescents could potentially lead to an increase in migraine in adults.

AREAS COVERED

A Medline OVID database search was conducted for each acute and preventive treatment described including articles that were randomized controlled trials or review articles. Search terms included migraine, headache, and children and adolescents less than 18 years of age as well as each acute and preventive treatment outlined.

EXPERT OPINION

Acute and preventive treatment options should be considered in children and adolescents with migraine and a migraine specific action plan should be made for each individual. In addition, with advancements being made in headache medicine in adults, these advancements are also being studied in children and adolescents and hopefully will provide for even more treatment modalities in children and adolescents with migraine in the future.