Recurrent Gastrointestinal Disturbance: Abdominal Migraine and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Primary headache disorders, including migraine, are some of the most common neurological disorders presenting to hospital. Episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine, including recurrent gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal migraine and cyclic vomiting, often pre-date or co-occur with the onset of migraine in a child who is at risk of developing the headache condition. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the two most common episodic syndromes, abdominal migraine and cyclic vomiting syndrome, including their pathophysiology, common presentations, and diagnostic criteria. Differential diagnosis and “red flag” features are outlined, and an approach to diagnostic work-up is offered. Finally, we provide an evidence-based review of management options and long-term prognosis. Future research should include randomized trials for the acute and preventive treatment of these disorders, as well as research as to whether early intervention can prevent progression to migraine and/or mitigate migraine severity.