Clinical Manifestation of Primary Headache with Epigastric Pain or Tenderness in Children

Hwang, Hui Sung; Choi, Hye Sun; Bin, Joong Hyun; Kim, Young Hoon; Lee, In Goo; Chung, Seung Yun

Abstract

PURPOSE
Population-based studies have shown positive associations between migraine and irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and peptic ulcer and migraine prevalence was higher among patients with dysmotility-like dyspepsia or nausea/vomiting. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical manifestation between primary headache with epigastric pain or tenderness(EPT) and primary headache without EPT.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 58 patients who were diagnosed primary headache[by ICHD-II(2004)] at Incheon St. Mary Hospital from January, 2006 to December, 2007. Their clinical characteristics such as age, sex, frequency & severity of headache and associated symptoms & signs were analysed.
RESULTS
The rate of headache associated with EPT were 36% of migraine cases, 50% of tension-type headache cases, and 100% of unclassified headache cases. Headache with EPT were at a high rate in female. Headache with EPT were more severe than one without EPT. Regulation of behavior, diet and sleep pattern had improved severity of headache in 71% of migraine without EPT and 94% of tension-type headache without EPT, but in 12% of migraine with EPT and 18% of tension-type headache with EPT. Headache disappeared in 64% of migraine with EPT and 53% of tension-type headache by additional regular antiacid medication.
CONCLUSION
Our study supports any specific correlation between headache and EPT, but further studies are needed.