Abstract

Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches. It is quite common in adults with prevalence rate of 20%. Migrainous headache is prevalent in 4% of children in the age group 7 to 15 years. The present study was conducted to determine the profile of migraine in children and to assess EEG changes in children suffering from migraine.

Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Paediatrics in year 2014. It included 225 children. Out of 225 children, 42 children fulfilled Prenky’s criteria and were included in the study. Patients case history was recorded in case sheet and other information such as name, age, gender, type of house, mother’s education, duration of illness, site of headache, frequency of headache were recorded. Symptoms such as visual disturbances, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, vertigo, cold and clammy skin, psychological stress and physical strain were questioned from parents. Their performance in school such as poor, average, above average etc was recorded. Physical examination was done in all children and EEG was also obtained.

Results: Out of 42 children, boys were 20 and girls were 22. The difference was non – significant (P- 1). Common symptoms recorded were visual disturbances (20), nausea/ vomiting (32), vertigo (24) and more than 1 of above (30). The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Associated symptoms were psychological stress (14), physical strain (20), watching TV (9), sunlight (8), hunger (2) and more than 1 of above (26). The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Type of discharge was asymmetrical sharp wave discharges alone (9), symmetrical sharp wave discharges alone (4), asymmetrical discharge of spike & slow wave complexes and/or sharp wave and slow wave complexes (14) and symmetrical discharge of spike & slow wave complexes and/or sharp wave and slow wave complexes (2). The difference was significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Migraine headache is a disease of adults. However, it is not uncommon in children. Careful evaluation of case and physical examination are required in diagnosis the migraine.

Keywords: Migraine headache, Nausea, Vomiting.