A Preventive Strategy For Pediatric Migraine Headache
Peter Przekop, DO, Ph.D1,2,3,4. Allison Przekop, DO1,2
Betty Ford Center1, Departments of Pediatrics1, Psychiatry2, Neurology3, Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone (760) 773-4100 Fax (760) 773-4297
Hypothesis: Migraine headache in children (age 3-12) remains both a diagnostic and treatment dilemma and, to date, no preventive therapies exist. Migraine headaches can be a source of disability and have negative effects on quality of life for the patient and family. An ideal preventive medication for migraine would reduce migraine frequency yet have little effect on cognition or development. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a magnesium supplement (Slow-MagR) in combination with manual medicine for the prevention of migraine headaches in children. We also assessed the effects of the treatment on perceived quality of life, family stress, and palpated muscle tension and tender points. We hypothesize that this treatment regimen would dramatically reduce headache frequency and related disability.
Materials and Method: 73 patients (aged 3-11) diagnosed with migraine headache were enrolled in the study. Patients and their parents were questioned about frequency of migraines per month, quality of life, perceived stress, and effect on family. Patients also were evaluated for the presence of cervical, trapezius, or sub-occipital tender points and muscle spasms. The dietary supplement Slow-MagR was initiated in all patients. Dosage was determined by weight. After one month on Slow-MagR all patient received 3 manual treatments over the course of the next month and one treatment during the third month. After a 1 week induction period, the frequency of headache was determined over the 3-month period. Patients were reevaluated at 3 months for all of the above parameters.
Results: After 3 months, all patient scores declined significantly across all parameters (t-test).Mean reductions: frequency of headache per month: 5.9>1.2. effect upon quality of life: significant>mild. family stress: moderate>mild . tender points: 60%>3%.
Conclusion: Manual medicine in combination with Slow-MagR offeredsignificant improvement in our cohort of children with migraine headache on all indices studied. Larger studies should be initiated.