What are abdominal migraines?
Abdominal migraine is a condition where intense pain is felt in the abdomen instead of the head. It's most common in children, especially between ages 2 and 10, affecting about 2 to 5 percent of kids. Women are more likely to experience it than men.
The main symptom is moderate to severe pain Show Full Answer
What are abdominal migraines?
Abdominal migraine is a condition where intense pain is felt in the abdomen instead of the head. It's most common in children, especially between ages 2 and 10, affecting about 2 to 5 percent of kids. Women are more likely to experience it than men.
The main symptom is moderate to severe pain around the belly button that can last from one hour to three days. Other symptoms may include:
* Headache
* Light and sound sensitivity
* Paleness
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea and vomiting
Between attacks, people with abdominal migraine usually feel fine and show no problems during physical exams. Common triggers include stress from school or work, travel or motion sickness, skipping meals, flickering lights, sleep changes, and intense exercise.
About 60 percent of children outgrow abdominal migraine by their late teens. However, around 70 percent go on to develop migraine headaches later in life.
Most people with abdominal migraine have a personal or family history of migraine headaches, suggesting a genetic component. Treatment often involves identifying triggers through journaling, dietary changes (like avoiding high-tyramine foods), and sometimes medication or therapy for stress management.
December 10, 2025
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