Prodrome and Postdrome Characteristics in Children and Adolescents With Migraine

Objectives: We aimed to determine characteristic features of prodromal and postdromal symptoms of migraine, and examine their relationship wtih age, headache severity, and drug use. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A pre-prepared questionnaire was applied to the patients with migraine during their outpatient visits. Demographic characteristics, headache, aura, prodrome and postdrome symptoms were evaluated in the questionnaire form. Results: A total of 43 patients (29 girls, 14 boys) diagnosed with migraine were included. The mean age during the interview was 15.05 years. Twenty-seven patients (62,7%) were diagnosed with migraine without aura; 16 (37.2%) had migraine with aura. Thirty-four (79%) of 43 patients reported a prodromal phase to headache. The most common complain was phonophobia (44.1%), while the least common problem was hyperactivity (2.9%). 14 patients stated they used anelgesics as abortive treatment due to prodromal symptoms; this treatment prevented the headache often in 14.2%, rarely in 21.4% of the patients. A total of 12 patients (27.9%) described at least one postdrome symptom; the most encountered postdrome symptoms were sleep disturbances (33.3%), nausea (25%), fatigue (25%), polydipsia (25%), and pain in the eye (25%). The vast majority (91.6%) of the patients with a postdrome phase also described prodromal symptoms. Postdromal and prodromal symptoms affected the quality of life significantly in 41.6% of all patients. Conclusion: Prodromal and postdromal symptoms in migraine patients can lead to disability and reduce their quality of life. More studies are needed in childhood, especially on the postdrome period.
Keywords: aura, abortive treatment, quality of life