Common Causes Of Abdominal Migraines, Triggers & Symptoms To Watch Out For

Common Causes Of  Abdominal Migraines, Triggers & Symptoms To Watch Out For

Abdominal migraines aka Stomachache are not very different from normal migraines; the distinguishing factor is in the location of the ache: abdominal migraines primarily affect the abdomen.

Abdominal migraines can be treated using medications like triptans, NSAIDs (non-stimulating anti-inflammatory drugs), and anti-histamines. However, while these drugs are effective in adults, most of them have not been approved to be used by children – the major sufferers of the condition. As a result, some parents tend to seek for alternative treatment for their children.

In this post, we shall consider some .

What is abdominal migraine?

Abdominal migraine is a type of recurring ache that is marked by pain in the abdominal region, nausea and vomiting. This form of migraine occurs majorly in children, especially those between five and nine years of age. This is not to say that adults don’t have abdominal migraine, they do.

Causes of abdominal migraine

The exact cause of abdominal migraine is still not known; hence, it is classified as an idiopathic health condition. That said, there a few theories which try to pinpoint the cause(s) of the condition.

One theory holds that an imbalance in the levels of serotonin and histamine in the body may be the cause. The proponents of this theory believe that the effects of stress and anxiety on the body may be the cause of the imbalance. However, it is also suggested that, abdominal migraine, like migraine headaches, is commonly caused by similar triggers.

Common triggers of migraine headaches that are also attributed to abdominal migraines include foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate), processed meats and foods like chocolate. Other triggers are excessive swallowing of air, motion sickness, and consumption of foods containing nitrites.

That said, children with a family history of migraines have a higher risk of getting abdominal migraines than those without. These kids are also likely to have migraine headaches when they grow older. In addition, like other migraine headaches, abdominal migraines mostly affect female children than boys.

Symptoms of abdominal migraine

Abdominal migraines can happen at any time and usually without any prevising signs. Interestingly, children suffering from abdominal migraines do not have the headaches that adults have.

Most symptoms of abdominal migraine are similar with other gastrointestinal problems, which can make the diagnosis somewhat difficult. One way of differentiating this condition from other GI conditions is by observing how long it persists. This type of migraine should diminish within a short time (about one hour), or last for a maximum of 3 days.

Besides the obvious abdominal pain, other common signs and symptoms of abdominal migraine include:

• Pale appearance
• Drowsiness or lethargic feeling
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration due to excessive vomiting
• Dark shadows beneath the eyes
• Nauseating feeling

How To Treat Abdominal Migraine

Read our new health article on Natural Home Remedies For Abdominal Migraines. (Natural treatment methods that can be employed at home in treating the symptoms of abdominal migraine)