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Migraine and Sleep in Children: A Bidirectional Relationship
Ivan M Pavkovic1, Sanjeev V Kothare2
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Lake Success, New York; Pediatrics, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York.
Pediatric Neurology
|March 14, 2020
Summary
Children with migraine often experience sleep disorders due to shared biological pathways. Addressing these sleep issues is crucial for effective migraine management in kids, especially with behavioral interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Migraine and sleep disorders in children share bidirectional links and common underlying pathophysiology.
- The trigeminal vascular system's activation in migraine involves vasoactive peptides like calcitonin gene-related peptide.
- Sleep regulation involves complex neural pathways for circadian rhythm, wakefulness, and specific sleep stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between migraine and sleep disorders in pediatric populations.
- To highlight the shared neurochemical systems involved in both conditions.
- To emphasize the clinical significance of managing sleep disorders in children with migraine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on migraine pathophysiology and sleep regulation mechanisms.
- Analysis of shared neurochemical systems, including adenosine, melatonin, orexin, and CGRP.
- Examination of the prevalence of sleep disorders as comorbidities in pediatric migraineurs.
Main Results:
- Shared cerebral structures, networks, and neurochemical systems link migraine and sleep regulation.
- Sleep disorders are the most frequent comorbidity in childhood migraine.
- Increased prevalence of parasomnias, obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep-related movement disorders observed in children with migraine.
Conclusions:
- The bidirectional relationship between pediatric migraine and sleep disorders is supported by shared pathophysiology.
- Infantile colic may serve as a precursor to childhood migraine.
- Treating comorbid sleep disorders, particularly with sleep-based behavioral interventions, is vital for managing pediatric migraine.
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