Abdominal Migraine: The Pain Center Is in the Stomach, Not the Head — Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Usually, when we think of migraine, we think of a severe headache. But there is a type of migraine where the pain is felt not in the head, but in the stomach—it is calledAbdominal migraineIt is relatively rare and is usually more common in children and adolescents. In many cases, the problem subsides during adolescence or develops into a migraine headache.
🩺 What is Abdominal Migraine?
Abdominal migraine is a type of neurological disorder in which, instead of a headache, there is a persistent, deep pain in the middle of the abdomen, especially around the navel. This pain can last from a few hours to two to three days and is often accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
This condition is often misdiagnosed as gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or appendicitis, so proper diagnosis is crucial.
⚠️ Main symptoms
Although the symptoms of abdominal migraine are similar to those of a normal stomachache, there are some distinct features:
Acute abdominal pain:Persistent pain in the middle of the abdomen or around the navel.
Vomiting or nausea:Sometimes there is a feeling of not being able to digest food.
Loss of appetite:Aversion to food appears.
Weakness or fatigue:The body feels dull due to prolonged pain.
Sensitivity to light and sound:In some cases, such as headaches, there is discomfort from light or sound.
These symptoms often last from 2 to 72 hours and then completely resolve, as if nothing had happened.
🧬 Why does abdominal migraine occur?
The root cause of this disease is not yet fully determined, but experts believe that itAbnormalities in the connection between the brain and the enteric nervous systemFruit.
The possible reasons are:
Family history:The risk increases if someone in the family has migraines.
Food triggers:Chocolate, cheese, caffeine, processed foods, etc.
Stress and lack of sleep:It can increase pain by disrupting the nervous balance.
Hormonal changes:Especially among teenage girls.
Weather or environmental effects:Bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, etc.
🔍 How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing abdominal migraines can be tricky, as they can mimic many other stomach problems. Doctors usually follow these steps:
Analysis of patient history and symptoms.
- Physical examination.
- Blood tests, ultrasound, or endoscopy to rule out other diseases.
- Family migraine history and dietary habits.
💊 Treatment and Management
Abdominal migraine is usually treated in two ways:Immediate reliefandPreventive measures।
🕒 1. Immediate relief
Medicine:Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used on the advice of a doctor. In severe cases, triptans or anti-nausea medications are also effective.
Rest:Resting in a dark, quiet environment reduces pain.
Enough water:It is important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
Light meals:Once the pain subsides, you should eat easily digestible foods.
🛡️ 2. Preventive measures
Identify the trigger:Keep a diary of what foods or situations increase the pain.
Balanced diet:Avoid overly spicy or processed foods.
Regular sleep:Make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at a specific time every day.
Reduce stress:Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises help.
Preventive medicine:If it is frequent, beta-blockers or antidepressants can be used on the advice of a doctor.
👧 Caution for children
Abdominal migraines in children often go unnoticed because they cannot communicate pain. Therefore, parents should:
Keeping an eye on the child's meal schedule and routine.
Avoiding trigger foods such as chocolate or caffeine.
Reduce stress and ensure adequate rest.
Seek regular medical advice.
🚨 When should you see a doctor?
If abdominal pain is frequent, extremely severe, or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, bleeding, or weight loss, see a doctor immediately. This may not be an abdominal migraine, but rather a symptom of a serious digestive disorder.
🧘♀️ Last words
Abdominal migraine is an annoying but manageable condition. Its effects can be greatly reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and being mindful of your diet.
If you or your child suffers from this problem, seek the advice of a specialist without delay—with proper treatment and care, it is possible to return to a normal, pain-free life.
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