Treatment of Migraine with Brainstem Aura in Children Younger Than 18 Years of Age
Managing migraine with brainstem aura requires tailored decisions in the paediatric population. Age-related factors directly shape which analgesics and supportive agents are appropriate.
Clinical scenario
This protocol applies to patients younger than 18 years of age presenting with migraine with brainstem aura. The paediatric age range introduces important constraints on analgesic selection and anti-emetic use that differ from adult management.
Approach (partial overview)
First-line management centres on body-weight-based analgesic therapy, with the choice of agent influenced by the child's age. When anti-emetics are required, agent selection is specifically constrained in this age group.
The complete regimen — including specific agent selection, age cut-offs, dosing approach, and anti-emetic guidance — is in the full structured protocol.
References
DOI: 10.1177/2514183X1882337
- Migraine attacks in children are treated with ibuprofen 10 mg/kg body weight (BW), ASA (500 mg) or paracetamol 15 mg/kg BW (second choice).
- If anti-emetics are necessary, domperidone should be used and not metoclopramide, due to the elevated risk of acute extra-pyramidal dystonia with metoclopramide.