[Migraine in childhood and adolescence: a retrospective review of hospital cases]

Abstract

A retrospective study of 101 cases of infantile migraine aged between 3 and 14 years is reported. Both sexes were affected equally, being common migraine the most frequent form. The immediate positive family history for migraine and underlying precipitating factors were identified in 66% and 88% of the cases respectively. The electroencephalographic picture displayed focal spike and wave or sharp and slow wave discharges in 19.1% of the cases. The evolution was favourable in 92% and there was no correlated with headache frequency or treatment approach. The better therapeutic response was obtained when underlying precipitating factors were removed. The most effective prophylactic drugs in our series were flunarizine, propanolol and dimetotiazine. We discuss the most relevant features of the migraine in the infancy.