What Is an Abdominal Migraine?

An abdominal migraine is a type of migraine that causes stomach pain instead of a headache [1]. It mainly affects children, but some adults can experience it too [2]. The pain usually comes in waves and is often felt in the middle of the tummy. During an episode, children may also feel sick, look pale, or lose their appetite. These symptoms can be very upsetting, but they are temporary and usually go away within a few hours.

What are the symptoms of an abdominal migraine?

Common symptoms include [3]:

Moderate to severe tummy pain, often around the belly button
Feeling sick (nausea) or actually being sick (vomiting)
Pale skin or looking tired
Loss of appetite
Feeling dizzy or unwell

There is usually no headache, although some children may develop headaches later in life. Symptoms can last from 1 to 72 hours and come and go over time.

What causes abdominal migraines?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but abdominal migraines are thought to be linked to:

Changes in brain and gut activity
Genetics – they often run in families
Migraine triggers, such as:

Stress or anxiety
Sleep problems
Certain foods (e.g. chocolate, cheese, processed meats)
Skipping meals or dehydration
Hormonal changes (in older children or teens)

Who gets abdominal migraines?

Abdominal migraines mostly affect children between the ages of 3 and 10. They are more common in children who have a family history of migraines. Girls are slightly more likely to be affected than boys [4].

How is an abdominal migraine diagnosed?

A GP will ask about your child’s symptoms, family history, and possible triggers. They may do a physical exam to rule out other causes of stomach pain, such as infections or digestive conditions. There is no specific test for abdominal migraine, so diagnosis is based on the pattern of symptoms and ruling out other problems.

How is an abdominal migraine treated?

Treatment depends on how often and how severe the episodes are. Options include:

Encouraging rest in a quiet, dark room during an attack
Giving simple pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen (check with a GP first)
Anti-sickness medication if nausea is severe
Daily preventive treatment if attacks are frequent or severe (prescribed by a doctor)
Keeping a diary to spot triggers and avoid them

Can abdominal migraines be prevented?

Some steps that may help reduce how often they happen include:

Getting regular sleep
Eating regular, healthy meals and staying hydrated
Reducing stress and anxiety (especially around school)
Avoiding known food triggers

Do children grow out of abdominal migraines?

Yes, many children grow out of them by their teenage years. However, some go on to develop regular migraine headaches later in life. Early diagnosis and support can help manage the condition and reduce disruption to daily life.

Key Takeaways

Abdominal migraines cause tummy pain, nausea, and loss of appetite, mostly in children.
They are linked to the same triggers and family history as migraine headaches.
Attacks can last from a few hours to a few days and may come back regularly.
There is no single test, but GPs can diagnose it based on symptoms and history.
Treatment includes rest, pain relief, avoiding triggers, and sometimes preventive medicine.

Reminder: If your child has repeated stomach pain with no clear cause, speak to a GP. A proper diagnosis can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Sources:

[1] Adominal Migraine - Migraine Trust

[2] Angus-Leppan H, Saatci D, Sutcliffe A, Guiloff R J. Abdominal migraine BMJ 2018; 360 :k179 doi:10.1136/bmj.k179

[3] Azmy DJ, Qualia CM. Review of Abdominal Migraine in Children. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2020 Dec;16(12):632-639. PMID: 34035698; PMCID: PMC8132691.

[4] Popovich DM, Schentrup DM, McAlhany AL. Recognizing and diagnosing abdominal migraines. J Pediatr Health Care. 2010 Nov-Dec;24(6):372-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2009.11.003. Epub 2010 Feb 4. PMID: 20971412.

Abdominal Migraine​

Abdominal Migraine