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Prophylaxis of migraine in children and adolescents

Joanne Kacperski1

  • 1Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave-MLC 2015, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA, Joanne.Kacperski@cchmc.org.

Paediatric Drugs
|March 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric migraine treatment is limited, with few FDA-approved preventive options. More controlled studies are needed to establish effective and safe prophylactic therapies for children experiencing frequent headaches.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Headaches, particularly migraines, are common in children but poorly characterized.
  • Diagnosis and treatment often rely on adult data due to limited pediatric research.
  • Current treatment options are restricted, with only one FDA-approved prophylactic medication for adolescents aged 12+.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of pediatric migraine treatment.
  • To highlight the limitations in controlled studies for prophylactic therapies.
  • To emphasize the need for further research in pharmacological interventions for pediatric migraine.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric migraine treatment and prophylaxis.
  • Analysis of data extrapolation from adult studies to pediatric populations.
  • Examination of current FDA-approved medications and off-label use.

Main Results:

  • A significant gap exists in controlled studies for pediatric migraine prophylaxis.
  • Many children requiring preventive therapy do not receive it.
  • High placebo response rates complicate clinical trials for both abortive and prophylactic medications.

Conclusions:

  • Despite the prevalence and disability associated with pediatric migraines, evidence-based preventive treatment is lacking.
  • A wide range of medications are used off-label, but controlled trials are scarce.
  • Further rigorous research is crucial to develop effective and approved pharmacological treatments for pediatric migraine disorders.

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