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Preventing migraines in Children
A new study indicates that the same drug used to prevent
migraine headaches in adults is safe and effective in children. The study showed the drug
amitriptyline can reduce the incidence of migraines in children.
Previous studies show the effectiveness of amitriptyline
in adults for the prevention of headaches, but few studies have tested its effectiveness
and safety in children. Researchers from the Children's Hospital Medical Center in
Cincinnati studied the drug in 192 children. The children were given 1 mg/kg as a dosing
measure. All study subjects had more than three headaches per month. The children were
evaluated at the start of the study for frequency, severity an duration of their
headaches.
Researchers say more than 84 per cent of the children
treated reported an overall perception of their headaches improving. They also went from
an average of headaches during 17 days per month to only nine days per month. The duration
was reduced from an average of 11.5 hours to 6.3 hours. The study participants also
reported minimal side effects with the treatment. |
