Migraine in the infant and toddler
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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
1Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Insights
Early childhood vomiting and behavioral changes may signal juvenile migraine. A family history of migraine, especially maternal, is common in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Juvenile migraine is a significant neurological condition in children.
- Early identification of migraine symptoms in early childhood is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify early clinical manifestations of juvenile migraine in infants and toddlers.
- To investigate the prevalence of specific symptoms and family history in pediatric migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 pediatric patients diagnosed with juvenile migraine.
- Evaluation of symptomatology during the first two years of life.
- Assessment of family history for migraine.
Main Results:
- Periodic symptoms in the first two years of life were observed in all patients.
- Vomiting and behavioral changes were the most frequent initial signs.
- Headache was present in 7 of 13 patients; pallor, vertigo, and sleep relief were also noted.
- A maternal history of migraine was reported in 11 of 12 evaluated patients.
Conclusions:
- Juvenile migraine can present with non-specific symptoms like vomiting and behavioral changes in early childhood.
- Early-onset migraine should be considered in infants and toddlers with recurrent gastrointestinal or behavioral issues.
- A strong family history of migraine, particularly maternal, is a significant risk factor.
Abstract:
This report consists of 13 patients who on retrospective analysis had had periodic symptomatology in the first 2 years of life, and who on later evaluation were determined to have juvenile migraine. The commonest early expression consisted of vomiting, accompanied by behavioral change. Seven of 13 showed some indication of headache. Other symptoms such as sleep relief, pallor, and vertigo or ataxia were relatively common. A family history of migraine, primarily maternal, was found in 11 of 12 patients in whom it could be evaluated.
