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The prevalence of headache and migraine in atopic children: an epidemiological study in general practice
M J Mortimer1, J Kay, D J Gawkrodger
1Department of Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Insights
Children with atopic conditions like asthma, eczema, or rhinitis have a higher prevalence of headaches and migraines. Childhood migraine is strongly linked to atopy, particularly rhinitis, and maternal migraine history.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Atopic disorders, including asthma, eczema, and rhinitis, are common in childhood.
- Headache and migraine prevalence in children with atopic conditions are not well-established.
- Understanding the link between atopy and pediatric headache disorders is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime prevalence of headache and migraine in children with atopic disorders.
- To investigate the association between childhood migraine and specific atopic conditions.
- To explore the relationship between childhood migraine, atopy, and maternal migraine history.
Main Methods:
- An unselected sample of children from a general practice population was assessed.
- Data on lifetime prevalence of headache and migraine were collected.
- Atopic status (asthma, eczema, rhinitis) and maternal migraine history were recorded.
Main Results:
- Children with atopic disorders showed a significantly higher prevalence of both headache and migraine.
- Childhood migraine was proportionally more common in atopic children compared to non-atopic children.
- The association between migraine and atopy was strongest with rhinitis; rhinitis also linked to maternal migraine.
Conclusions:
- Atopic conditions in children are associated with an increased prevalence of headache and migraine.
- Rhinitis in children is a significant factor associated with migraine and maternal migraine history.
- A history of atopy, especially rhinitis, can aid in diagnosing migraine in children with paroxysmal headaches.
Abstract:
The lifetime prevalence of headache and migraine was assessed in an unselected sample of atopic (asthma, eczema or rhinitis) children in a general practice population of known socio-economic and age/sex composition. Maternal migraine was also recorded. The prevalence of both headache and migraine was significantly and proportionally higher in children with atopic disorders compared to those without. Childhood migraine was associated with atopy and the association was strongest with rhinitis. Rhinitis in children was associated with maternal migraine. A history of atopy (especially rhinitis) supports the diagnosis of migraine in young children with paroxysmal headaches.