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The McMaster Pediatric Migraine Questionnaire: a prospective validation study
Robyn Whitney1, Oksana Borys1, David J A Callen1
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
A new screening tool, the McMaster Migraine Tool, can help pediatricians diagnose migraine in children aged 5-12. This easy-to-use questionnaire aids in the early detection and management of pediatric migraine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Migraine impacts 4%-11% of elementary school children, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate diagnosis in this age group is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a migraine screening questionnaire for general pediatricians.
- To validate the questionnaire for diagnosing migraine in children aged 5-12.
Main Methods:
- Developed the McMaster Migraine Tool based on International Classification of Headache Disorders-II criteria.
- Assessed questionnaire validity by comparing its diagnoses with those of a pediatric neurologist.
- Evaluated ease of use by families.
Main Results:
- The McMaster Migraine Tool demonstrated 84% sensitivity and 69% specificity in diagnosing migraine.
- The tool was used on 69 children referred to a Pediatric Neurology Clinic.
- Families rated the questionnaire's ease of use as 9 out of 10.
Conclusions:
- The McMaster Migraine Tool is a potentially valuable aid for diagnosing migraine in children aged 5-12.
- Its ease of use and completion facilitate expedited diagnosis and management.
- Widespread application could improve pediatric migraine care.
Objective:
Migraine affects approximately 4%-11% of elementary school children; yet reaching a diagnosis in this age group can be challenging. The goal of this study was to develop a screening migraine questionnaire that could be easily implemented by a general pediatrician and validate its use in diagnosing migraine in children 5-12 years old.
Methods:
A questionnaire, the McMaster Migraine Tool, was developed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II criteria for migraine. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed by comparing the diagnosis based on the results of the questionnaire compared with the diagnosis made by a pediatric neurologist.
Results:
The questionnaire was used to assess a cohort of 69 children referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic for headache. The sensitivity and specificity of the McMaster Migraine Tool were determined to be 84% and 69%, respectively. Families graded its ease of use to be 9 of 10 (10 being easy to use).
Conclusion:
The McMaster Migraine Tool may be useful in diagnosing migraine in 5-12-year-old children, as it is readily completed and regarded as easy to use. Application of this tool could lead to expedited diagnosis and management of migraine.
