[Prevalence of migraine in a sample population of school children]

Abstract

Introduction: The object of this study was to determine the prevalence of migraine in school children in our area, since few such studies have been done.

Material and methods: The study was carried out by means of a questionnaire given to school children aged between 6 and 14. We selected a representative sample of the population, the size of which was determined by accepting as a reference value the 4% mentioned by Bille. The questionnaire was drawn up after a search of the literature for similar questionnaires and a preliminary trial on children known to suffer from migraine (giving a specificity of 96.6% and a sensitivity of 96.5%).

Results: Using the criteria of Vahlquist there was a prevailence of 7.0% and with IHS of 6.7%. There was a predominance (not significant) of females (54.4%). In 89.1% there was a positive family history (parents and/or siblings) of migraine.