Abdominal migraine is a type of migraine that primarily affects the stomach, causing intense pain and discomfort, along with symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Unlike typical migraines that are characterized by headaches, abdominal migraine manifests mainly with stomach-related issues. The pain and discomfort can persist for anywhere from 1 to 72 hours, making it a challenging condition to endure.
While abdominal migraine is more commonly seen in children, it can also affect adults. The exact causes of abdominal migraine are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Managing abdominal migraine often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as identifying and avoiding triggers, along with medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes.
In this article, we’ll talk about abdominal migraine, what might make it happen, and how to make it feel better.
Symptoms
Abdominal migraine makes your stomach feel like it’s achy or cramping. This pain usually happens around the centre of your stomach or navel.
The pain can be not so bad or really strong.
Besides the stomach ache, other things you might feel during an abdominal migraine are:
- Feeling like nausea
- Vomiting
- Not feeling hungry
- Looking pale
- Feeling really tired
- Finding bright lights or loud sounds bothersome
- Severe headaches
- Having diarrhea
- Feeling pain in your arms or legs
An episode of abdominal migraine can last anywhere from 1 to 72 hours, as stated by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. And in between these episodes, you won’t have any of these symptoms.
Causes
The exact causes of abdominal migraine remain uncertain. Many individuals who experience abdominal migraines report that these episodes can occur without any clear warning signs. This unpredictability adds to the challenge of managing the condition effectively.
Research conducted in 2018 indicates that there may be a genetic predisposition to growing abdominal migraines. This means that some people might be more likely to experience these migraines due to their genetic makeup. However, more studies are needed to fully understand and confirm this genetic link.
Despite the unclear cause, certain factors are believed to trigger abdominal migraines. Recognizing these triggers can help in managing and potentially reducing the frequency of episodes. Common triggers include stress, hunger, and lack of sleep. Additionally, motion sickness and travel can provoke symptoms, as can environmental factors like flickering lights. Missing a meal or consuming specific foods can also set off an abdominal migraine. By identifying and avoiding these triggers, individuals may better manage their condition and reduce the occurrence of painful episodes.
Treatment
Research from 2016 shows that there isn’t a specific treatment for abdominal migraine backed by strong evidence. Instead, treatments focus on reducing the symptoms.
Here are some treatment options for abdominal migraine:
Antiemetics: Medications like domperidone and metoclopramide can help with nausea and vomiting.
- Hydration therapy: This helps replace fluids lost due to diarrhea or vomiting.
- NSAIDs and acetaminophen: These pain relievers might help if taken early, although research on their effectiveness is mixed.
- Ergotamines and triptans: These can help stop and treat the pain of abdominal migraines.
- Beta-blockers: These medications lower blood pressure and might assist to stop abdominal migraines.
Other helpful strategies include lying in a dark, quiet room during an episode. Making some lifestyle changes can also reduce migraine attacks, such as:
- Getting good sleep
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating healthy meals regularly
- Exercising often
- Stress management
Diagnosis
Diagnosing abdominal migraine can be tricky, and many people might have symptoms for years before getting the right diagnosis.
To diagnose abdominal migraine, a doctor will look at the person’s symptoms. They will ask where the pain is located and how serious it is. They might also ask if anyone else in the family has migraines, as this can be a clue.
To make sure the symptoms aren’t caused by something else, like Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the healthcare professional might order additional tests. These tests help rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.
Prevention
Preventing abdominal migraine can be challenging because the exact causes are not well understood. However, avoiding triggers that can set off an episode might help.
Triggers can be different for each person. To find out what triggers your abdominal migraines, it can be helpful to keep a diary. Write down what you do, eat, and feel each day, and note when you get a migraine. This can help you spot patterns and identify things that might be causing your migraines.
In addition to avoiding triggers, some medications can assist to stop abdominal migraine episodes. A healthcare provider can recommend the best options based on your specific situation. By combining lifestyle changes and medication, you can better manage and reduce the frequency of abdominal migraines.
When to consult a healthcare provider
If you have an abdominal migraine with very serious symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. These serious symptoms include:
- Feeling confused or not thinking clearly
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Severe Vomiting
- Having chest pain
- Feeling weak in your muscles
- Having a fever
- Losing your vision or not being able to see clearly
These signs could mean something more serious is happening, and a doctor can help figure out what’s wrong and provide the right treatment.
Outlook
Even though it’s not very common, abdominal migraine can stick around into adulthood. Some healthcare providers think that having abdominal migraines when you’re young might mean you’ll get regular migraines later on.
About 60% of kids with abdominal migraines stop having them by the time they’re teenagers. But most of these children end up getting regular migraines when they grow up.
Abdominal migraine is not harmful, but it can make you feel really bad or stop you from doing things you want to do. If you’re worried about your abdominal migraines, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about it. They can help you figure out the best way to manage them.
Summary
Abdominal migraine makes your stomach feel really bad, causing strong pain and cramps.
Usually, kids get abdominal migraines, and they often stop having them as they grow older. But for some people, they might continue into adulthood.
There are different ways to treat the symptoms of abdominal migraines, like using painkillers you can buy at the store or getting medicine from a doctor.
Even though we’re not sure what exactly causes abdominal migraines, there are things that might make them more likely, like not getting enough sleep or eating certain foods. Avoiding these triggers can help stop abdominal migraines from happening.
If you’re worried about your abdominal migraines, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can give you advice and help you find ways to feel better.
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