Abstract
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is seen in 11% of school children and has been attributed mainly to psychological causes.
We investigated 42 children (age 3-17) years with RAP. Each patient received a range of serum immunological investigations, tests of lactose tolerance and small bowel biopsy. Abdominal migraine (AM) was the most common cause (57%) of RAP. Psychological factors accounted for only 17% of the cases. Combined cephalgic and abdominal migraine was observed in 10% of cases. Less common aetiologies included constipation (7%) lactose intolerance (5%) cow's milk protein intolerance (2%) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2%).
Clinical studies demonstrated that allergens in the AM group included citrus fruits/drinks, cheeses (solid), chocolate and caffeine containing drinks.
A therapeutic trial based on eliminating the provoking foods and drinks achieved symptomatic improvement in 33% of those who complied with the antimigraine diet.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Al-Bayaty, M., Michie, C. & Bentley, D. 306 IS ABDOMINAL MIGRAINE MORE COMMON THAN WE SUSPECT?. Pediatr Res 36, 53 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00306
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199407000-00306
