Promising New Migraine Treatments for Children

If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you know how incapacitating they can be. Bright lights, loud noises, and even certain smells can trigger these intense headaches, which can last for hours or even days. Unfortunately, it’s not just adults who suffer; around 10% of children aged 5 to 15 and 28% of teenagers experience migraines, with many having their first episode before the age of 12. So, what treatments are available for these young patients?

Traditionally, parents and healthcare providers have turned to medication, but these options don’t always yield the desired results. In fact, studies indicate that placebos can often provide similar benefits in adolescents. However, cognitive behavioral therapies are emerging as effective strategies for managing migraines at their onset. Notably, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is exploring these innovative approaches, which show significant potential.

A three-year study called CHAMP at Cincinnati Children’s revealed that placebos worked just as well as the two most commonly prescribed migraine medications, topiramate and amitriptyline. The CHAMP study focused on behavioral therapies to alleviate migraine pain. Among the 205 teenagers involved, the average number of headaches dropped from 11 per month at the start to just five by the end of the study.

Scott Powers, PhD, Co-Director of the Headache Center at Cincinnati Children’s, expressed optimism about discontinuing long-term medication for migraine prevention. “Our findings suggest that the chemicals in the pills likely have little to nothing to do with achieving improved migraine control,” Powers stated. Instead, those who maintained regular self-care routines—like staying hydrated, getting sufficient sleep, exercising, and eating regularly—experienced notable improvements. The study also suggested that participation in CHAMP might have positively influenced the participants’ brain development, which continues until about age 25.

Adding to the promising landscape of migraine treatments, a study published in December 2020 in Headache introduced the Nerivio device, which provides remote electrical neuromodulation at headache onset. Developed by Theranica, an Israeli company, this device received FDA approval in January for those aged 12 and older. Users wear the device on their upper arm and control it via smartphone. When a migraine begins, they activate it for 45 minutes, during which mild stimulation is delivered through the skin to help prevent the migraine from worsening.

In a study involving 39 participants using the device, 71% reported pain relief within two hours, and 35% were pain-free at that time. Additionally, 54% experienced relief from nausea, and 40% reported no longer being sensitive to light and sound. One participant noted a brief, mild discomfort from the device.

Dr. Andrew Hershey, an expert at Cincinnati Children’s, emphasized the importance of providing effective and engaging migraine treatments for adolescents, who often face difficulties in school and social settings during crucial developmental years.

Both studies present promising options for children and teenagers grappling with migraines without resorting to long-term medication. Behavioral modifications are proving to be beneficial in preventing these headaches, and the Nerivio device will offer a helpful tool for those experiencing migraines.

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In summary, new treatment strategies and devices for migraine relief in children show considerable promise. Behavioral therapies and innovative devices like Nerivio could significantly improve the quality of life for young migraine sufferers, offering effective alternatives to traditional medication.

Keyphrase: migraine treatments for children

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