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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Menstrual migraine in adolescents
Megan J Crawford1, Laura Lehman, Shalonda Slater
1Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center-Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
Headache
|February 18, 2009
Summary
Menstrual migraine patterns emerge in adolescent girls, with over half experiencing headaches during their period. Early identification of this link can improve long-term outcomes for migraine management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Adolescent Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Headache and migraine are prevalent in adolescents, often transitioning to adult patterns.
- Menstrual association is a recognized pattern in adult female migraineurs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize menstrually associated headaches and migraine in adolescent girls.
- To identify developmental and pubertal changes in headache patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of adolescent headache characteristics.
- Detailed review of patient/parent-reported data on headache patterns and longitudinal changes with development and puberty.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of menarchal adolescent girls reported headaches with their menstrual period.
- Of those with a menstrual pattern, 63.6% experienced migraines linked to their menstrual cycle.
- Increased associated symptoms were noted in girls with menstrual migraine.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual association of headaches becomes apparent during adolescence.
- This association, once established, remains stable.
- Early identification offers potential long-term benefits for lifelong migraine outcomes.
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