Pediatric Migraine and Academics

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to examine the multitude of factors which may impact learning and academic performance in patients with pediatric migraine.

Recent findings: A range of associations of varying degree were noted between pediatric migraine and conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, and psychiatric comorbidities with regard to headache pain and school functioning. Recent literature highlights the importance of sleep in relation to headache, mood disorders, and learning in youth and the emerging role of perfectionism. Children with migraine remain at risk for school related and learning difficulties which may be primarily due to pain, due to other medical and psychiatric comorbidities commonly found in this population, or a combination. The relationships are complex and further studies are needed to clearly elucidate the shared biological and environmental pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Keywords: Headache; Learning; Pediatric migraine; Perfectionism; School; Sleep.