Abdominal and lower back pain in pediatric idiopathic stabbing headache

Yosuke Kakisaka1, Tomoichiro Ohara, Naomi Hino-Fukuyo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University, Seiryo-machi 1, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan 980-8574. kakisuke@mui.biglobe.ne.jp.

Pediatrics
|December 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic stabbing headache (ISH) in children is rare. This case highlights that ISH can present with unusual abdominal and back pain, suggesting a link to migraine mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Idiopathic stabbing headache (ISH) is a primary headache disorder.
  • Pediatric ISH is uncommon, with extracephalic pain being exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old boy experienced frequent, sharp headaches.
  • These headaches were intermittently accompanied by abdominal and lower back pain.
  • Standard investigations revealed no underlying pathology.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with pediatric ISH.
  • Valproic acid effectively managed both the headaches and associated extracephalic pain.
  • This case suggests ISH may manifest with symptoms similar to migraine.

Implications:

  • Pediatric ISH can present with extracephalic symptoms like abdominal and back pain.
  • The shared symptoms suggest a potential common pathophysiological mechanism between ISH and migraine.
  • Further research is needed to define the clinical profile of these rare ISH presentations.

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