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Review
. 2025 Jun 13;17(6):e85958.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.85958. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Abdominal Migraine in Adults: A Narrative Review

Madunil A Niriella  1 , Hiruni Jayasena  2 , Nilanga Nishad  3 , Indeewari P Wijesingha  1 , Krishanni Prabagar  1
Affiliations
Review

Abdominal Migraine in Adults: A Narrative Review

Madunil A Niriella et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Abdominal migraine (AM) is a debilitating condition characterized by paroxysmal episodes of abdominal pain accompanied by vasomotor symptoms, leading to a significant reduction in quality of life. While more commonly observed in children, AM is rare and less well understood in adults. Diagnostic criteria for adult AM remain poorly defined, and treatment options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have not been extensively evaluated in this population. Pharmacological management may be either prophylactic, aimed at preventing episodes, or abortive, used during acute attacks. Treatment is typically individualized, with a focus on symptom relief and reducing the frequency of attacks. This review summarizes available literature published between 1995 and 2024, with an emphasis on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies for AM in adult patients.

Keywords: abdominal migraine; adults; chronic pain; diagnosis; functional disorders; management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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