The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7296 p499
24 April 2004

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Evidence weak for treatment of migraine in children

Published evidence supporting the use of migraine treatments in children is weak, according to the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2004;42:25). The April issue of DTB discusses the management of migraine in children and reviews self-help strategies, behavioural interventions, drug treatment and herbal remedies. It concludes that for acute attacks of migraine, paracetamol or ibuprofen, combined with an anti-emetic if necessary, is usually sufficient.

Behavioural interventions, such as responding to changes in skin temperature and progressive muscle relaxation, are supported by limited evidence. DTB notes that there is only weak evidence that nasal sumatriptan relieves migraine in those aged 12–17 years. Evidence is also weak for the practice of using pizotifen or propranolol as prophylaxis against frequent or severe migraine attacks. Trials indicating a place for the herbal remedy feverfew in the prevention of migraine need repeating in children, it adds.

The April issue of DTB also reviews the management of anovulatory infertility (ibid, p28).