Prochlorperazine in children with migraine: a look at its effectiveness and rate of akathisia

Clinical characterization of pediatric acute confusional migraine: a single-center case series

INTRODUCTION

Acute confusional migraine (ACM) is a rare disorder characteristic of pediatric patients. Our objective was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with ACM who visited our pediatric emergency department (PED).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of children who presented to our PED between January 2012 and December 2022 with a discharge diagnosis of ACM.

RESULTS

During the study period, 23 patients were enrolled: 11 males (47.8%) and 12 females (52.2%); median age was 10.8 years (IQR: 8.3-13.6). Eight patients reported a history of headache. The median length of stay of PED was 4.7 h. Onset was abrupt (less than 12 h) in 100% of cases. Changes in the level and content of consciousness occurred in 47.8% and 91.3% of patients, respectively; confusion (73.9%) was the most common neurological manifestation. Eighteen patients had urgent brain CT scans, none showing pathological findings. Four patients required benzodiazepines to control their psychomotor agitation. Nine patients were hospitalized, including one in the intensive care unit. Two patients underwent MRI and one patient underwent EEG during hospitalization, with normal results.

DISCUSSION

ACM is a rare condition in pediatric neurology characterized by acute onset of confusion or altered mental status before, during, or after migraine headache. Clinical features overlap with other neurological disorders, making diagnosis challenging. To improve the diagnosis, treatment, and research of AMC, it is essential to include it in the International Classification of Headache Disorders and establish standardized diagnostic criteria.

Triptans in the Acute Migraine Management of Children and Adolescents: An Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize recent findings regarding triptan use in the acute treatment of pediatric migraine.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prevalence of pediatric migraine is rising. The American Headache Society and American Academy of Neurology updated guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of acute migraine in youth. In the setting of a dearth of new randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we review current guidelines, triptan use in the emergency department, and an era of secondary analyses. Measuring the efficacy of triptans in pediatric migraine has been challenged by high placebo response rates. Secondary analyses, combining data from multiple RCTs, support that triptans are safe and effective in the treatment of migraine. Triptans are a vital tool and the only FDA-approved migraine-specific treatment available in pediatrics. There is a need for further studies and funding support in pediatric headache medicine.

Treatment of Frequent or Chronic Primary Headaches in Children and Adolescents: Focus on Acupuncture

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is a spreading and promising intervention, which has proven to be very useful in the treatment and prevention of chronic pain, in particular chronic headaches, in adults; the literature about the treatment of pediatric chronic headaches is scarce. In addition, few guidelines advise its use in children. The aim of this review is to collect all relevant studies with available data about the use, effect, and tolerability of acupuncture as a treatment for pediatric primary headaches.

METHODS

This is a narrative review based on eight studies selected from 135 papers including pediatric cases treated with acupuncture for headache.

RESULTS

Despite the differences in tools, procedures, and application sites, acupuncture demonstrated a positive effect on both the frequency and intensity of headaches and was well tolerated. There are no studies considering the long-term efficacy of acupuncture.

CONCLUSION

Further additional studies are needed on acupuncture in children and adolescents, with larger series and standardized procedures, in order to better assess efficacy, tolerability, and long-term prognosis and to define guidelines for the use of this promising and safe treatment. It is particularly relevant to identify safe and well-tolerated treatment options in pediatric patients affected by recurrent and debilitating headaches.

Additive Value of Intranasal Fentanyl on Ibuprofen for Pain Management of Children With Moderate to Severe Headaches: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Few studies have evaluated the rapid pain improvement provided by medications for children presenting to an emergency department (ED) with headaches.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate pain reduction provided by intranasal fentanyl (INF) compared with placebo in addition to ibuprofen.

METHODS

A single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in a tertiary care pediatric ED. All children aged 8-17 years presenting with a moderate to severe headache were eligible. Study participants were randomly allocated to receive INF 1.5 µg/kg (maximum dose of 100 µg) or similar placebo solution. Co-administration of oral ibuprofen 10 mg/kg (maximum dose of 600 mg) was also provided. The primary outcome was the mean pain rating reduction at 15 min.

RESULTS

Among the 62 participants, the median age was 14 years (interquartile range [IQR] 12-16 years in both groups) and the median initial visual analog scale (VAS) score was 64 (IQR 55-72 in the intervention group; IQR 50-81 in the control group). There was no difference in the mean pain score reduction at 15 min between the two groups (mean difference 2 mm; 95% CI -7 to 11 mm). Mean VAS score reductions were also similar at 30 and 60 min. Adverse events were more frequent in the INF group (risk ratio 2.8; 95% CI 1.29 to 6.22), but all events were minor and transient. No significant differences were found in other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not find a benefit from INF for providing additional pain relief in children presenting to ED with headaches.

Efficacy of IV Valproic Acid and Oral Valproic Acid Tapers for the Treatment of Pediatric Headaches in the Emergency Department

Background and Objectives

Pediatric headaches, including migraine, are a common reason for emergency department (ED) presentation. IV valproic acid (VPA) followed by oral VPA tapers are often used to abort pediatric headache and reduce recurrence, though limited data exist regarding this approach. This study evaluated the effectiveness of IV VPA and oral VPA tapers for the treatment of acute pediatric headaches in the ED in preventing return encounters.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 5-21 years presenting to a tertiary-care pediatric ED from 2010 to 2016 who received IV VPA for headache or migraine. Primary outcomes were ED disposition, percent pain reduction (initial vs 2-hour patient-reported pain score [10-point scale]), and return for acute headache treatment within 1 month.

Results

A total of 486 ED encounters were included with a median patient age of 15 years; most of them were females (76%, 369/486). Of available pain scores within 2 hours of IV VPA administration, 41% (173/425) had ≥50% pain reduction. Fifty-two percent (254/486) were discharged without additional treatment, 14% (69/486) were discharged after additional treatment, and 33% (163/486) were admitted to the hospital. Initial pain score, number of preceding home treatments, and number of preceding ED treatments were not associated with ED disposition. Oral VPA tapers were prescribed in 39% (94/253) of encounters when the patient was discharged after IV VPA. Oral VPA tapers produced a transient decrease in recurrence at 72 hours, which was no longer present at 1 week nor 1 month. There was no difference in the time to recurrence or total number of return visits within 1 month.

Discussion

IV VPA was efficacious in treating pediatric headaches evaluated in the ED, with nearly two-thirds of patients discharged home after administration. Oral VPA tapers did not reduce total headache recurrence nor time to recurrence. Given the limited benefit of oral VPA tapers, this practice should be re-examined.

Classification of Evidence

This study provides Class IV evidence that for children with headache seen in the ED, IV VPA reduces head pain and Class III evidence that following this with an oral VPA taper is of no benefit.

Sumatriptan as a First-Line Treatment for Headache in the Pediatric Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Headache is a common presenting condition for patients seen in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Intranasal (IN) sumatriptan is a well-tolerated and safe abortive treatment for migraine headache, but it is infrequently administered in pediatric EDs. In this study we characterize an ED migraine pathway that uses IN sumatriptan as a first-line treatment.

METHODS

We performed retrospective chart analysis from a single center, reviewing a cohort of patients treated on an ED migraine pathway between October 2016 and February 2020. We reviewed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, change in pain scores, sumatriptan prescriptions at discharge, length of stay (LOS), ED charges, and unexpected return visits.

RESULTS

A total of 558 patients (aged six to 21 years, 66% female) were included in this study. Overall, the median pretreatment pain score was 7 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5 to 8) and the median post-treatment pain score was 2 (IQR: 0 to 4). Forty-eight percent of patients received IN sumatriptan in the ED, and 36% of those who received sumatriptan were prescribed oral sumatriptan at discharge. When intravenous (IV) access was obtained for headache management, this was associated with a significantly longer LOS and higher ED charges.

CONCLUSIONS

IN sumatriptan shows promise as a feasible and potentially effective first-line treatment for pediatric migraine in the ED that could reduce the need for IV therapies, shorten LOS, and lower ED charges. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of IN sumatriptan relative to other common first-line therapies used to treat pediatric migraine in the ED.

Intranasal ketorolac versus intravenous ketorolac for treatment of migraine headaches in children: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Intravenous ketorolac is commonly used for treating migraine headaches in children. However, the prerequisite placement of an intravenous line can be technically challenging, time-consuming, and associated with pain and distress. Intranasal ketorolac may be an effective alternative that is needle-free and easier to administer. We aimed to determine whether intranasal ketorolac is non-inferior to intravenous ketorolac for reducing pain in children with migraine headaches.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized double-blind non-inferiority clinical trial. Children aged 8-17 years with migraine headaches, moderate to severe pain, and requiring parenteral analgesics received intranasal ketorolac (1 mg/kg) or intravenous ketorolac (0.5 mg/kg). Primary outcome was reduction in pain at 60 min after administration measured using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (scored 0-10). Non-inferiority margin was 2/10. Secondary outcomes included time to onset of clinically meaningful decrease in pain; ancillary emergency department outcomes (e.g. receipt of rescue medications, headache relief, headache freedom, percentage improvement); 24-h follow-up outcomes; functional disability; and adverse events.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine children were enrolled. We analyzed 27 children who received intranasal ketorolac and 29 who received intravenous ketorolac. The difference in mean pain reduction at 60 min between groups was 0.2 (95% CI -0.9, 1.3), with the upper limit of the 95% CI being less than the non-inferiority margin. There were no statistical differences between groups for secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal ketorolac was non-inferior to intravenous ketorolac for reducing migraine headache pain in the emergency department.

Efficacy of outpatient infusion therapy in pediatric patients with postconcussive headaches

PURPOSE

To determine the relative efficacy of intravenous therapy for postconcussive headaches in a pediatric population, as compared to oral therapy.

METHODS

Pediatric patients treated for postconcussive headaches at an outpatient infusion clinic from 2016 to 2018 were selected for inclusion in the study. Of the 95 patients who were treated in clinic, 53 patients were selected for a retrospective chart review. Clinic visits before and after infusions were reviewed to determine changes in headache score (HA), symptom severity score (SSS), and self-reported symptom relief. An age-matched and SSS-matched group served as a control. The control group received only oral therapy for their headaches. The infusion consisted of parenteral ketorolac, compazine, diphenhydramine, and a normal saline bolus (20 mg/kg).

RESULTS

Following infusion therapy, overall mean HA and SSS scores were both reduced (p < 0.0001). Oral therapy demonstrated a similar mean overall reduction in HA and SS scores (p < 0.0001). While both groups achieved a reduction in HA and SS scores, there was not a statistically significant difference in reduction of symptoms scores between the oral and infusion groups.

CONCLUSION

Infusion therapy is as effective at reducing HA and SSS as established oral therapies. Infusion therapy may have a shorter time to headache abortion than oral therapy based on pharmacokinetics. Further, some physicians are unwilling to allow an athlete to return to play while taking suppressive medication. Future studies may show that an infusion could allow a more rapid return to play and resolution of symptoms.

Standardized Headache Therapy in the Pediatric Emergency Department Using Improvement Methodology

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Introduction:

Primary headache is a common cause of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits. Without published guidelines to direct treatment options, various strategies lacking evidence are often employed. This study aims to standardize primary headache treatment in the PED by promoting evidence-based therapies, reducing nonstandard abortive therapies, and introducing dihydroergotamine (DHE) into practice.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team developed key drivers, created a clinical care algorithm, and updated electronic medical record order sets. Outcome measures included the percentage of patients receiving evidence-based therapies, nonstandard abortive therapies, DHE given after failed first-line therapies, and overall PED length of stay. Process measures included the percent of eligible patients with the order set usage and medications received within 90 minutes. Balancing measures included hospital admissions and returns to the PED within 72 hours. Annotated control charts depicted results over time.

Results:

We collected data from July 2017 to December 2019. The percent of patients receiving evidence-based therapies increased from 69% to 73%. The percent of patients receiving nonstandard abortive therapies decreased from 2.5% to 0.6%. The percent of patients receiving DHE after failed first-line therapies increased from 0% to 37.2%. No untoward effects on process or balancing measures occurred, with sustained improvement for 14 months.

Conclusion:

Standardization efforts for patients with primary headaches led to improved use of evidence-based therapies and reduced nonstandard abortive therapies. This methodology also led to improved DHE use for migraine headache resistant to first-line therapies. We accomplished these results without increasing length of stay, admission, or return visits.

Improving Acute Treatment of Pediatric Primary Headache Disorders With a Novel Headache Treatment Center: Retrospective Review of Preliminary Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To determine preliminary outcomes of targeted headache treatments provided at a novel outpatient acute care pediatric headache treatment center.

BACKGROUND

Limitations exist in acute management of pediatric headaches, including inadequate access to specialty headache therapies and headache specialists in acute settings, variable success of emergency room treatments, and omission of comfort measures. An outpatient acute headache care clinic (the "Headache Treatment Center") was strategically initiated at a Midwestern pediatric academic hospital to provide acute and targeted headache therapies for children with active headaches.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 154 visits from September through November 2018 of patients ages 7-18 years visiting the Headache Treatment Center.

RESULTS

On average, headache intensity (measured on an 11-point pain numeric rating scale) decreased after interventions used in the Headache Treatment Center (mean change = 2.85 ± 2.81, P < .05, Cohen d = 1.01). Large effect sizes for reducing headache intensity were observed for pericranial, occipital/auriculotemporal, and occipital nerve blocks, Cohen d = 1.56, 1.64 and 1.02, respectively. Large effect sizes for reducing headache intensity also were observed for a transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulator device (Cefaly) (Cohen d = 1.02), acupuncture (Cohen d = 1.09), and intravenous migraine cocktails (Cohen d = 0.91-1.34).

CONCLUSION

Targeted headache therapies to abort pediatric primary headaches as part of a novel headache clinic model may be beneficial for short-term management.

Effectiveness of Emergency Department Treatment of Pediatric Headache and Relation to Rebound Headache

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the association between the degree of headache relief obtained in the pediatric emergency department (PED) with abortive treatment and unscheduled return visits to the PED for a recurrent or persistent headache within 72 hours.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study with 369 patients, all younger than 18 years, who presented to the PED with a primary complaint of either a headache or migraine. Patient and visit details were collected from the medical chart, along with presenting and discharge pain score. Percent pain reduction at discharge was determined through the following calculation: (Presenting Pain Score - Discharge Pain Score)/Presenting Pain Score. Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

No significant association was found between the percent pain reduction and return to the PED (P = 0.49). Mean presenting pain score at the index visit was statistically higher for those who ended up returning to the PED versus those who did not (8.1 vs 7.4; P = 0.02). A trend toward increase in return visits was seen among patients who had a headache duration greater than 3 days (odds ratio, 1.99) and patients who experienced less than 50% pain reduction in the PED (odds ratio, 1.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete resolution in the PED may not be necessary, given the lack of association between the degree of pain relief and revisit rates. Perhaps, the goal should be to achieve at least 50% pain reduction before discharge.

Ondansetron for Acute Migraine in the Pediatric Emergency Department

BACKGROUND

Migraine patients are commonly encountered in the pediatric emergency departments. Much of the research on migraine treatment regimens involves antidopaminergic antiemetics such as prochlorperazine and metoclopramide. Despite a comparably more favorable side effect profile, no migraine treatment research has included ondansetron, a selective type three 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist. Our primary objective was to determine if treatment regimens including ondansetron were successful in reducing verbal pain scores.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with migraine aged seven to 18 years who visited the pediatric emergency departments over a four-year period. Charts were reviewed for initial and discharge pain scores, pediatric emergency department revisits, neurology consultation, and opioid administration. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as reduction in the verbal pain score of 50% or more. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects, receiving non-evidence-based treatment defined as receiving an opioid, neurology consultation rate, and pediatric emergency department revisit rate within 48 hours.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight encounters were included: 42 received ondansetron, 22 received an antidopaminergic, and 34 received no antiemetic. Thirty-eight patients (90%) in the ondansetron group (95% confidence interval 81 to 99) reached treatment success. Pediatric emergency department revisits, opioid administration, neurology consultation, and treatment success were similar among the ondansetron and antidopaminergic groups.

CONCLUSION

Ondansetron may be a useful medication in the treatment regimen of migraine patients in the pediatric emergency department. Preliminary data suggest that ondansetron is comparable to antidopaminergic agents.

Oral dexamethasone for the prevention of acute migraine recurrence in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department with migraine

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial protocol that aims to determine the efficacy and safety of oral dexamethasone compared to placebo for the prevention of migraine recurrence in children and adolescents visiting the pediatric emergency department (ED) with migraine.

Methods:

This study was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial of patients presenting to the pediatric ED with migraine. Eligible participants were randomized at 1:1 ratio to receive either oral dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg (maximum 15 mg) or matched placebo as a single dose. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed at discharge, 48 h and 7 days after discharge. The primary outcome of the trial was feasibility and was assessed through participant recruitment rate, follow-up completion rates, participant satisfaction ratings and comparison of enrolled versus non-enrolled participants. Efficacy and safety outcomes were not analyzed given that this was a pilot study.

Results:

Twelve participants were enrolled over the 6-month recruitment period. This represents 60% of the planned sample size and a 10.5% recruitment rate. No other feasibility issues were identified and patients expressed high satisfaction rates with their treatment: 90.9% were satisfied with their treatment at discharge and at 48-h follow-up and 81.8% were satisfied with their treatment at 7-day follow-up (81.8%). There were no significant differences observed when comparing enrolled participants to those not enrolled.

Conclusion:

This pilot randomized controlled trial is the first to assess dexamethasone in the pediatric ED for the prevention of migraine recurrence. The protocol is feasible but recruitment in a single center was lower than expected. Future pediatric ED migraine studies may use innovative or pragmatic trial designs to maximize feasibility from a recruitment standpoint.

Relative Effectiveness of Dopamine Antagonists for Pediatric Migraine in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

Migraine headaches are common in the pediatric emergency department. The mainstay of abortive treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and dopamine antagonists. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3 commonly used dopamine antagonists to abort pediatric migraine.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who presented to the pediatric emergency department at a tertiary care pediatric hospital between January 2010 and December 2013. Patients were treated for a migraine headache with a combination of ketorolac and one of the following dopamine antagonists: prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or promethazine. The primary outcome was treatment failure and receiving non-evidence-based treatment defined by the need for opioids. Secondary outcomes included pain score reduction and return visit within 48 hours.

RESULTS

There were 57 patients during this period with 67 visits that met inclusion criteria: 27 (40.3%) visits in which patients were treated with prochlorperazine, 23 (34.3%) visits in which patients were treated with metoclopramide, and 17 (25.4%) visits in which patients were treated with promethazine. Across visits, the mean age was 14.5 years, and 63% were women. Opioids were given for treatment failure in 8.7% of visits in which patients received prochlorperazine, 25% in which patients received metoclopramide, and 42.8% in which patients received promethazine. Patients treated with promethazine had significantly higher odds of needing opioids and experiencing less than 50% reduction in pain score compared with prochlorperazine after adjusting for patient characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests variable efficacy among 3 commonly used dopamine antagonists for pediatric migraine headache. Promethazine seems least effective and results in higher use of opioids compared with other available dopamine antagonists.

The Safety of Prochlorperazine in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Prochlorperazine is recommended for adults with breakthrough or refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The objective of this review was to describe its safety in children when given for any indication to help define its role for CINV control in children.

METHODS

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were performed as of 9 March 2015. All studies in English reporting adverse effects (AEs) associated with prochlorperazine in children (≤18 years) were included. AEs were synthesized for prospective studies.

RESULTS

Forty-nine (15 prospective) studies evaluating the use of prochlorperazine in 758 children were included. The most commonly reported AEs in prospective studies of prochlorperazine in children were sedation (multiple-dose studies: 10 %, 95 % CI 5-21) and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) (single-dose studies: 9 %, 95 % CI 3-29; multiple-dose studies: 4 %, 95 % CI 1-11). Serious AEs (seizure, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, autonomic collapse, tardive dyskinesia) were rarely associated with prochlorperazine use in children. Five fatalities were reported in children receiving prochlorperazine.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of this systematic review and meta-analysis were that the AEs reported in the included studies were heterogeneous, the prospective use of systematic clinical tools to identify AEs was rare, and the risk of bias in most prospective studies was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common AEs reported with the pediatric use of prochlorperazine are EPS and sedation. Fatalities, life-threatening, and persistent AEs have also been reported.

Factors Associated With Discharge After Initial Emergency Treatment of Pediatric Migraine

OBJECTIVE

Migraine treatment varies widely in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Factors associated with discharge after only initial emergency treatment were examined.

METHODS

A retrospective chart analysis was conducted on patients 6 to 18 years old who presented to the St. Louis Children's Hospital ED between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, with a discharge diagnosis of migraine (n = 700 visits). Associations between patient characteristics, initial treatments, and rates of discharge after only initial treatment were examined using a generalized linear model and receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

If exclusively oral or intranasal (PO/IN) medications were given initially (n = 285), ibuprofen alone was associated with lower discharge rates compared with other PO/IN medication regimens (P < 0.05). The only other variable associated with discharge was arrival pain score (P < 0.05). When ibuprofen alone was administered, pain scores equal to or lower than 5/10 were associated with the greatest sensitivity and specificity for discharge. With administration of other PO/IN regimens, pain scores equal to or lower than 8/10 were associated with the greatest sensitivity and specificity for discharge. If intravenous (IV) medications were given initially (n = 415), ketorolac given with an antinausea medication was associated with higher discharge rates compared with independent administration of these medications (P < 0.05). Intravenous medications were associated with higher discharge rates compared with PO/IN medications (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Arrival pain score may be used to help select initial migraine treatment in the pediatric ED. Initial use of PO/IN regimens including triptans or an antiemetic and concurrent administration of IV ketorolac with an antiemetic may be associated with higher rates of discharge after initial treatment alone.

Acute Treatment Therapies for Pediatric Migraine: A Qualitative Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

We sought to conduct a qualitative systematic review to evaluate the safety and efficacy of available treatments for pediatric patients with migraine or benign primary headache in the emergency department, in an effort to inform future practice.

METHODS

Scopus, Medline, and PubMed databases were searched for randomized controlled trials retrospective reviews, review articles, and case studies discussing migraine or benign primary headache management that were conducted in the emergency room or outpatient acute care setting in pediatric patients (less than 18-years old). Meeting abstracts and cited references within articles were also evaluated. Multiple variables were recorded, including type of treatment, study design, dosing, primary outcome, and side effects. Therapeutic gain was calculated in studies with a placebo arm. Treatments were subjectively assessed based on methodology and number of trials for a particular therapy.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were included in the final analysis. Of these, 17 were randomized controlled trials, 9 were retrospective reviews, and 5 were prospective chart review studies. One pertained to IV fluids, 2 to nonspecific analgesic use, 5 to dopamine receptor antagonists, 2 to valproic acid, 1 to propofol, 1 to magnesium, 1 to bupivicaine, 13 to triptan medications, and 3 to dihydroergotamine (DHE). Treatments considered effective for acute migraine or benign primary headache in the analgesic category include ibuprofen, and to a lesser degree acetaminophen. Ketorolac was not compared to other NSAIDs, but was found to be less effective than prochlorperazine. Of the phenothiazines, prochlorperazine was considered most effective. Of the triptan medications, almotriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan nasal spray, sumatriptan nasal spray, and combination sumatriptan/naproxen are effective agents for acute treatment. Treatments considered probably effective included IV fluids, chlorpromazine, valproate sodium, injectable sumatriptan, and IV DHE. Treatments with oral zolmitriptan showed inconsistent results, while treatments considered ineffective included isolated oral sumatriptan and oral DHE. There is insufficient evidence to comment on propofol, magnesium, and bupivicaine efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the available evidence, ibuprofen, prochlorperazine, and certain triptan medications are the most effective and safe agents for acute management of migraine and other benign headache disorders in the pediatric population. Additional studies in this population are needed, and should take into consideration variables such as dosing, co-administered medications, treatment duration, and length of treatment effect.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Migraine

OPINION STATEMENT

While the diagnosis of migraine in children is generally straightforward, treatment can seem complex with a number of medication choices, many of which are used "off label." Patients with intermittent migraines can often be managed with ibuprofen or naproxen taken as needed. Unfortunately, by the time that children present to our practice, they have often tried these medications without improvement. Triptans are frequently prescribed to these patients with good success. It is important to make the patient aware of the possible associated serotonergic reactions. If the patient is having more than one headache per week or the headaches are prolonged, prophylactic treatment is indicated. In our practice, the overwhelming majority of these patients will be treated with amitriptyline or topiramate. We generally allow side effect tolerability to guide our choice of medication. Cyproheptadine is often used in younger patients as it comes in a liquid form. There is evidence supporting the use of propranolol, though the potential worsening of underlying asthma symptoms may limit its use, and sodium valproate, which must be used with caution in female patients of childbearing age due to significant teratogenicity risks. Other prophylactic treatments with less robust evidence include the antiepileptic drugs gabapentin, zonisamide, and levetiracetam; calcium channel blockers such as verapamil and amlodipine; and the angiotensin receptor blocking agent candasartin (not available in the USA). Almost all patients in our practice are advised to take magnesium supplementation. Magnesium is a supplement with relatively few adverse effects and good evidence for improvement of migraine symptoms. We evaluate lifestyle issues and comorbidities in all our patients. Ignoring these will make successful treatment near impossible. Good sleep, adequate hydration, appropriate diet, and exercise are vitally important. Finally, most of our patients benefit from a psychology evaluation with cognitive behavioral therapy. Stress management and biofeedback are tremendously helpful in improving quality of life in migraineurs.

The Use of a Pediatric Migraine Practice Guideline in an Emergency Department Setting

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a standardized pediatric migraine practice guideline in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Migraine Clinical Practice Guideline (MCPG) was created in collaboration with the Division of Pediatric Neurology and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. The MCPG was established on evidence-based data and best practice after a review of the literature. The MCPG was implemented for patients with a known diagnosis of migraine headaches and a verbal numeric pain score (VPS) greater than 6 on a 0 to 10 scale. Patients received intravenous saline, ketorolac, diphenhydramine, and either metoclopramide or prochlorperazine. After 40 minutes, another VPS was obtained, and if no improvement, a repeat dose of metoclopramide or prochlorperazine was administered. If after 40 minutes and minimal pain relief occurred, a consult to neurology was made. A chart review of patients enrolled in the MCPG from April 2004 to April 2013 was conducted. We recorded demographic data, vital signs, ED length of stay, initial VPS, last recorded VPS, adverse events, and admission rate. Nonparametric statistics were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 533 charts were identified with a discharge diagnosis of migraine headache of which 266 were enrolled in the MCPG (179 females and 87 males). Mean (SD) age was 13.9 (3.1). Mean (SD) initial VPS was 7.8 (2.0). Mean (SD) discharge VPS was 2.1 (2.8), representing a 73% reduction of pain. Twenty patients (7.5%) were admitted for status migrainosus; mean (SD) age was 14.0 (3.5) years and mean (SD) VPS was 6.3 (2.8). Mean (SD) length of stay in ED was 283 (107) minutes. No adverse events were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Our MCPG was clinically safe and effective in treating children with acute migraine headaches. Our data add to the dearth of existing published literature on migraine treatment protocols in the ED setting. We recommend additional prospective and comparative studies to further evaluate the effectiveness of our protocol in this patient population.

Management of Pediatric Migraine Headache in the Emergency Room and Infusion Center

Migraine is a common disorder that starts at an early age and takes a variable pattern from intermittent to chronic headache with several exacerbations throughout a lifetime. Children and adolescents are significantly affected. If an acute headache is not aborted by outpatient migraine therapy, it often causes severe disability, preventing the child from attending school and social events. Treating the acute severe headache aggressively helps prevent prolonged disability as well as possible chronification. Multiple medications are available, mostly for the outpatient management of an attack and include the use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications as well as prescribed medications in the triptan group. These therapies do sometime fail and the exacerbation can last from days to weeks. If the headache lasts 72 hours or longer it will fall in the category of status migrainosus. Status migrainosus is described as a severe disabling headache lasting 72 hours or more by the ICHD3 criteria. Disability is a major issue in children and adolescents and aggressive acute measures are to be taken to control it as soon as possible. Early aggressive intravenous therapy can be very effective in breaking the attack and allowing the child to be quickly back to normal functioning. This article reviews what is available for the treatment of pediatric primary headaches in the emergency room.

Intravenous migraine therapy in children with posttraumatic headache in the ED

BACKGROUND

More than 3.8 million children sustain traumatic brain injuries annually. Treatment of posttraumatic headache (PTH) in the emergency department (ED) is variable, and benefits are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to determine if intravenous migraine therapy reduces pain scores in children with PTH and factors associated with improved response.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of children, 8 to 21 years old, presenting to a tertiary pediatric ED with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and PTH from November 2009 to June 2013. Inclusion criteria were mTBI (defined by diagnosis codes) within 14 days of ED visit, headache, and administration of one or more intravenous medications: ketorolac, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, and ondansetron. Primary outcome was treatment success defined by greater than or equal to 50% pain score reduction during ED visit. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to determine predictors of treatment success: age, sex, migraine or mTBI history, time since injury, ED head computed tomographic (CT) imaging, and pretreatment with oral analgesics.

RESULTS

A total of 254 patients were included. Mean age was 13.8 years, 51% were female, 80% were white, mean time since injury was 2 days, and 114 patients had negative head CTs. Eighty-six percent of patients had treatment success with 52% experiencing complete resolution of headache. Bivariate analysis showed that patients who had a head CT were less likely to respond (80% vs 91%; P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous migraine therapy reduces PTH pain scores for children presenting within 14 days after mTBI. Further prospective work is needed to determine long-term benefits of acute PTH treatment in the ED.

A comparison of acute treatment regimens for migraine in the emergency department

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Migraine headache is a common pediatric complaint among emergency department (ED) patients. There are limited trials on abortive therapies in the ED. The objective of this study was to apply a comparative effectiveness approach to investigate acute medication regimens for the prevention of ED revisits.

METHODS

Retrospective study using administrative data (Pediatric Health Information System) from 35 pediatric EDs (2009-2012). Children aged 7 to 18 years with a principal diagnosis of migraine headache were studied. The primary outcome was a revisit to the ED within 3 days for discharged patients. The primary analysis compared the treatment regimens and individual medications on the risk for revisit.

RESULTS

The study identified 32,124 children with migraine; 27,317 (85%) were discharged, and 5.5% had a return ED visit within 3 days. At the index visit, the most common medications included nonopioid analgesics (66%), dopamine antagonists (50%), diphenhydramine (33%), and ondansetron (21%). Triptans and opiate medications were administered infrequently (3% each). Children receiving metoclopramide had a 31% increased odds for an ED revisit within 3 days compared with prochlorperazine. Diphenhydramine with dopamine antagonists was associated with 27% increased odds of an ED revisit compared with dopamine antagonists alone. Children receiving ondansetron had similar revisit rates to those receiving dopamine antagonists.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of children with migraines are successfully discharged from the ED and only 1 in 18 required a revisit within 3 days. Prochlorperazine appears to be superior to metoclopramide in preventing a revisit, and diphenhydramine use is associated with increased rates of return.

Treatment of pediatric migraine

OPINION STATEMENT

The diagnosis of migraine in the pediatric population is increasing as providers are becoming more familiar with recognizing the condition. Over-the-counter and migraine-specific treatment, once considered off-label, have proven to be effective, especially if given at the early onset of head pain. Mild to severe cases of migraine should be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with triptans used alone or in combination in moderate to severe headaches unresponsive to over-the-counter therapy. Rescue medication including dihydroergotamine (DHE), a potent vasoconstrictor should be used for intractable migraines and is preferred in the hospital setting. Anti-emetics that have anti-dopaminergic properties can be helpful in patients with associated symptoms of nausea and vomiting along with headache, especially when used in combination therapy. Preventative treatment should be initiated early in patients with frequent headaches to improve headache outcomes and quality of life. Patients and families should be educated on non-pharmacologic management, such as lifestyle modification and avoidance of triggers, that can prevent progression and worsening of migraine.

Pediatric migraine and episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine

Importance

Migraine is a common disorder and a frequent cause of medical consultation in children. Many childhood episodic syndromes have been described as common precursors of migraine.

Objective

To review current knowledge on migraine and childhood episodic syndromes, and to discuss future directions for research and clinical practice.

Findings

For most children it is difficult to describe a headache and fully verbalize symptoms such as photophobia and phonophobia that must be inferred from behaviour. Classical migraine features are rare before the age of 6 years, but some migraine-related syndromes have been described. Benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy, benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood, cyclic vomiting syndrome and abdominal migraine are currently classified as childhood episodic syndromes, and therefore common precursors of migraine. A strong association between infantile colic and migraine has recently been reported. There are similarities between children with episodic syndromes and children with migraine, regarding social and demographic factors, precipitating and relieving factors, and accompanying gastrointestinal, neurologic, and vasomotor features. The real pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine are not fully understood. Current data obtained through molecular and functional studies provide a complex model in which vascular and neurologic events cooperate in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks. Genetic factors causing disturbances in neuronal ion channels, make a migraineur more sensitive to multiple trigger factors that activate the nociception cascade. The expanding knowledge on migraine genetics and pathophysiology may be applicable to childhood episodic syndromes. Migraine preventive strategies are particularly important in children, and could be beneficial in childhood episodic syndromes. Nonspecific analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are widely used in pediatrics to control pain and have been found to be effective also in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Triptans are the specific fist-line drugs for acute migraine treatment.

Conclusions and relevance

Migraine phenotype differs somewhat in the developing brain, and childhood episodic syndromes may arise before typical migraine headache. Diagnosing pediatric migraine may be difficult because of children’s language and cognitive abilities. The risk of underestimating migraine in pediatric age is high. An adequate diagnosis is important to maintain a good quality of life and to avoid inappropriate therapy.

Pediatric migraine: abortive management in the emergency department

Studies suggest that headache accounts for approximately 1% of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits. ED physicians must distinguish between primary headaches, such as a tension or migraine, and secondary headaches caused by systemic disease including neoplasm, infection, or intracranial hemorrhage. A recent study found that 40% of children presenting to the ED with headache were diagnosed with a primary headache, and 75% of these were migraine. Once the diagnosis of migraine has been made, the ED physician is faced with the challenge of determining appropriate abortive treatment. This review summarizes the most recent literature on pediatric migraine with an emphasis on diagnosis and abortive treatment in the ED.

Diagnosis of migraine in the pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND

Migraine criteria lack sensitivity in children and are not designed to be used in the emergency department. This study's aim was to compare the diagnosis of migraine in children with moderate to severe headache made by pediatric emergency physicians to the International Classification of Headache Disorders II migraine criteria with annotation for children and a new criteria, the Irma emergency department criteria, using the neurologist's diagnosis as the gold standard.

METHODS

This was part of a prospective study with a convenience sample of patients <18 years old, diagnosed with migraine by pediatric emergency physicians and treated with intravenous medication due to severity of symptoms. A standardized questionnaire on the patient's present and past headaches description was completed by the patient and his or her family during their stay in the emergency department. Each patient was assessed by a pediatric neurologist within 3 months to confirm the final diagnosis.

RESULTS

Between July 2007 and July 2009, 79 children completed a questionnaire. Of these, 11 were not evaluated by the neurologist (eight never reported for follow-up and three were not referred). Of the remaining, four had another final diagnosis, leaving 64 (94%) patients with confirmed diagnoses of migraine. Among these patients, 29 (45%) had headaches that fulfilled the International Classification of Headache Disorders II migraine criteria with annotation for children and 55 (86%) fulfilled the new criteria, the Irma emergency department criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians' clinical judgment performed better than the published migraine criteria, which did not have adequate sensitivity to be of use to pediatric emergency physicians.

Use of dopamine antagonists in treatment of migraine

OPINION STATEMENT

Dopamine antagonists are indicated for treatment of nausea or psychosis and have an established role in the treatment of migraine. Neuroleptics, including antipsychotics, act as antagonists at the dopamine D2 receptor type. These medications also have variable activity as antihistamines and anticholinergics, and they block alpha-adrenergic and some serotonin receptor types, but their actions on dopamine are likely the reason for their efficacy in treating nausea, psychosis, and acute migraine. Neuroleptics are first-line agents in the emergency room setting for migraine, especially for patients with nausea and vomiting. In the setting of a clear prodrome, antiemetics may prevent migraine when taken before an attack. They are also indicated in clinical situations such as patients who are pregnant or have contraindications to migraine-specific medications or NSAIDs. Recent developments suggest that dopamine is particularly important in chronic pain, and we most commonly use neuroleptic medications in the treatment of status migrainosus or medication-overuse headache. Clinicians may avoid dopamine antagonists because of unfamiliarity and a lack of large, controlled clinical trials. Their use requires special care to avoid adverse events such as sedation, akathisia or dystonic reactions, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or movement disorders with long-term use. Some newer atypical neuroleptic agents appear promising for both acute and prophylactic migraine treatment with a lower risk of adverse events.

Treatment of pediatric migraine in the emergency room

Migraine constitutes a relatively common reason for pediatric emergency room visits. Given the paucity of randomized trials involving pediatric migraineurs in the emergency department setting compared with adults, recommendations for managing these children are largely extrapolated from adult migraine emergency room studies and trials involving outpatient home pediatric migraine therapy. We review current knowledge about pediatric migraineurs presenting at the emergency room and their management, and summarize the best evidence available to guide clinical decision-making.

A Neurologist's Guide to Acute Migraine Therapy in the Emergency Room

Migraine is a common reason for visits to the emergency room. Attacks that lead patients to come to the emergency room are often more severe, refractory to home rescue medication, and have been going on for longer. All of these features make these attacks more challenging to treat. The purpose of this article is to review available evidence pertinent to the treatment of acute migraine in adults in the emergency department setting in order to provide neurologists with a rational approach to management. Drug classes and agents reviewed include opioids, dopamine receptor antagonists, triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and sodium valproate.