Pediatric abdominal migraines

Abdominal migraines cause severe stomach pain that interferes with your child’s schooling and childhood. Because this condition is so rare (it affects about 4% of school-age children), it’s important to seek care from digestive disease specialists who have experience treating it.

At Children’s Health℠, your child receives exceptional care at one of the nation’s top Pediatric Gastroenterology (GI) Programs as rated by U.S. News & World Report.

Dallas

214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005

Plano

469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511

Park Cities

469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001

Prosper

469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511

Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)

Refer a Patient

What are pediatric abdominal migraines?

Children who experience abdominal migraines have intense abdominal pain often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain is similar to a migraine headache but in the stomach. Some children also have head pain. An abdominal migraine attack can last from 2 to 72 hours. During this time, your child may not be able to play, eat well, sleep or go to school.

What causes pediatric abdominal migraines?

Our doctors are actively involved in research to determine why some children develop abdominal migraines. Possible causes include changes in the amounts of serotonin (a chemical that aids digestion) or histamine (a chemical that helps the immune system fight germs) in a child’s body. Children with a family history of migraine headaches and abdominal migraines are also more at risk, which suggests there may be a genetic cause.

Pediatric abdominal migraine doctors and providers

The diagnosis and treatment of pediatric abdominal migraines require a team approach. We bring together the experts your child needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is at risk for abdominal migraines?

    Children under the age of 10 are most likely to experience abdominal migraines. The condition tends to affect girls more than boys. Most children outgrow abdominal migraines by their teen years, although they may start to have more migraine headaches.

  • What are the triggers for abdominal migraines?

    Some of the same things that trigger migraine headaches can also bring on abdominal migraines.

    These triggers include:

    • Anxiety or stress
    • Chocolate or certain foods made with nitrites (like hot dogs) or MSG (like ketchup and potato chips)
    • Lack of sleep
    • Missed meals or hunger
    • Travel or disruptions to daily routines

Resources