Treating Abdominal Migraines in Adults and Children

Have you, or someone you love, been experiencing recurrent abdominal pain that hasn’t had a clear cause even after medical investigations? You or your child may be suffering from abdominal migraines! Read on to understand the symptoms, causes, your treatment options, and what you can do to help manage them.

What is Abdominal Migraine? 

Abdominal migraine, sometimes referred to as a stomach migraine, is a type of migraine syndrome that causes recurrent episodes of moderate to severe stomach pain. It is typically diagnosed once other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), have been ruled out. 

Although abdominal migraines are most commonly associated with pediatric patients, abdominal migraines can also affect adults.

Who do Abdominal Migraines Affect?

Abdominal Migraine in Children

Pediatric abdominal migraines most commonly affect children between 3 and 10 years old. Research suggests a strong familial incidence, meaning that children with a family history of migraine or headache disorders may be more likely to develop abdominal migraines.

Children experiencing abdominal migraine episodes may also develop migraine headaches or other headache disorders as they grow older. Generally, children with abdominal migraine usually tend to outgrow their condition around the age of puberty.

Abdominal Migraine in Adults

Although less common, abdominal migraine in adults can occur, often alongside other migraine symptoms such as head pain, nausea, and noise sensitivity. Adults with a history of pediatric abdominal migraines may also experience abdominal migraine attacks later in life.

 

What are the symptoms?

Individuals suffering from abdominal migraines may experience chronic recurrent abdominal pain, typically centred around the naval (belly button) or in a generalised area of the stomach. Episodes of abdominal migraines can last from 2 to 72 hours.

Common Symptoms of Abdominal Migraine

• Moderate to severe abdominal pain, more so than a typical stomachache
• Moderate to intense nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Pale appearance
• Bright light and noise sensitivity
• Dull ache or cramping sensation (moderate to severe intensity)
• Sweating and changes in body temperature
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)

Symptoms may resemble those of cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other gastrointestinal conditions, making an accurate diagnosis essential.

Understand the Abdominal Migraine Assessment Process

 

Causes and Triggers of Abdominal Migraine

The exact cause of abdominal migraines is still under investigation. However, research suggests that vascular dysregulation and neurological factors play a role in migraine episodes. There is also a link between abdominal migraines and poor sleep, stress, and genetic factors.

Common Triggers for Abdominal Migraines

Identifying and avoiding common migraine triggers can help manage and prevent future attacks. Triggers may include:

• Skipping meals
• Bright light and noise
• Stress and psychosocial factors
• Certain foods, such as chocolate, caffeine, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Motion sickness
• Poor sleep patterns

Can Abdominal Migraines Be Genetic?

A strong familial incidence has been observed in individuals with abdominal migraine diagnosis, however this topic is still undergoing research. If migraine headaches run in the family, there is an increased likelihood of developing abdominal migraine. 

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Diagnosing Abdominal Migraines

A differential diagnosis is essential for accurately diagnosing abdominal migraines. Since similar symptoms occur in gastrointestinal disorders, conditions like cyclical vomiting syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and benign paroxysmal torticollis must be ruled out.

How is Abdominal Migraine Diagnosed?

Abdominal migraine is diagnosed through clinical assessment, a thorough medical history, and ruling out other potential conditions. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) outlines specific criteria for diagnosis.

To meet the criteria, a person must have experienced at least five episodes of abdominal pain. The pain is typically moderate to severe and has at least two of the following characteristics: it is located in the midline, around the belly button (periumbilical), or is poorly localised; it has a dull or “just sore” quality; and it is moderate or severe in intensity.

In addition to the pain, at least two associated symptoms must be present. These can include loss of appetite (anorexia), nausea, vomiting, or pallor (paleness).

Each episode usually lasts between 2 to 72 hours when untreated or unsuccessfully treated. Importantly, individuals experience complete relief from symptoms between attacks. The diagnosis can only be confirmed once other possible causes have been excluded through appropriate medical tests and investigations.

Treatment Options for Abdominal Migraines

Medications for Acute Relief

Doctors may prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms of abdominal migraines, such as:

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce headache pain and abdominal pain
• Triptans to stop migraine episodes from progressing
• Anti-nausea medications for nausea and vomiting symptoms
• Intravenous valproic acid or intravenous dihydroergotamine therapy for severe or prolonged cases

Medication can be useful to help give you or your child relief from their symptoms. Unfortunately, the effects of this are only temporary and only offer short-term relief as it does not target the root cause of the condition.

A Medication-Free Approach to Treatment

At the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic™, we take a different approach to treating abdominal migraines. Instead of just managing symptoms with medication, we focus on identifying and treating the root cause – often linked to brainstem sensitisation.

Our treatment is:

• Non-invasive and drug-free
• Tailored to each patient’s condition
• Focused on long-term relief rather than short-term symptom masking

Our experienced clinicians assess whether brainstem dysfunction is contributing to your abdominal migraine episodes. If so, we implement a personalised treatment plan aimed at desensitising the brainstem and restoring normal function.

Learn About The Watson Headache Approach

When to Speak with a Migraine Expert

Have you continued to experience abdominal migraines despite undergoing rigorous medical testing to rule out other conditions? Are you tired of using ‘band-aid fixes’ like medication to manage symptoms without addressing the underlying cause? If so, consulting a migraine expert may be the next step in finding lasting relief.

Abdominal migraines are believed to be linked to brainstem sensitisation – a neurological issue affecting the body’s pain and sensory processing systems. Your brainstem houses critical nerve pathways, including the vagus nerve, which extends from the brainstem to the stomach. If the brainstem becomes overly sensitised, it may cause abnormal vagus nerve activity, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

At Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic™, our expert clinicians assess whether brainstem dysfunction is a contributing factor in your abdominal migraine episodes. If identified, we offer a non-invasive, medication-free treatment plan tailored to reduce brainstem sensitivity and improve your quality of life.

If you’ve been struggling with abdominal migraines despite trying multiple medications, our clinic may provide the solution you’ve been searching for. Book an appointment today to take the first step towards lasting relief.

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