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If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you understand how incapacitating they can be. Sensitivities to light, sound, and smells can trigger these agonizing headaches, which can last for hours or even days. Unfortunately, adults aren’t the only ones suffering; research indicates that around 10% of children aged 5 to 15 experience migraines, and 28% of teenagers are affected as well. Notably, about 50% of these young patients have their first migraine before reaching 12 years of age. So, what treatment options are available for them?
Traditionally, parents and healthcare providers have turned to medications for migraine relief, but these are not always effective. Many studies have shown that adolescents may not experience significant benefits from these drugs compared to placebos. However, cognitive behavioral therapies are emerging as a promising alternative for managing migraines at their onset. Additionally, a new wearable device is being developed to assist those suffering from migraines. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is actively researching these innovative strategies, and the results are encouraging.
A three-year study called CHAMP, conducted by Cincinnati Children’s, revealed that a placebo was just as effective for migraine sufferers as the two most commonly prescribed medications, topiramate and amitriptyline. Rather than relying solely on drugs, the CHAMP study emphasized behavioral therapies to alleviate migraine pain effectively. The 205 teenagers involved in the study averaged 11 headaches per month at the start, but this number dropped to just five by the end of the trial.
The study’s findings suggest that regardless of the treatment group—whether they received amitriptyline, topiramate, or a placebo—the participants maintained significant reductions in headache days and migraine-related disabilities for three years post-trial. Less than 10% of participants continued using preventive medications typically prescribed in clinical settings, with most reporting no medication use during most follow-up evaluations.
Dr. Alex Monroe, Co-Director of the Headache Center at Cincinnati Children’s, stated that stopping medications for long-term migraine prevention appears to be safe. “Our research indicates that the chemical components of the medications likely play a minimal role in improving migraine control,” remarked Monroe. Instead, consistent self-care routines, such as staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet, proved beneficial in preventing migraines. The study also speculated that participation in CHAMP might have positively influenced the participants’ brain development, a process that continues until around age 25.
Another encouraging development is the introduction of a wearable device named Nerivio, which provides remote electrical neuromodulation at the initial signs of a headache. Made by Theranica, an Israeli company, Nerivio received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in January as a migraine treatment for individuals aged 12 and older. The device is worn on the upper arm and can be controlled via a smartphone. When a migraine begins, users activate the device for 45 minutes, during which mild stimulation signals are sent through the skin to help disrupt the headache’s progression.
In a study involving 39 participants who used Nerivio at the onset of a migraine, 71% reported relief within two hours, with 35% stating they were pain-free at that point. Additionally, 54% experienced a reduction in nausea, and 40% noted an end to their sensitivity to light and sound. Only one participant reported minor discomfort from the device.
“This is the first study to compare remote electrical neuromodulation with standard treatment options in adolescents,” commented Dr. Jamie Lee, an expert in pediatric neurology. “Migraines in teens can lead to poorer academic performance and social withdrawal during a critical period in their lives. Offering more effective and engaging migraine treatments can have lasting positive effects.”
The findings from both studies offer hope for children and teens suffering from migraines who prefer to avoid long-term medication. Evidence strongly suggests that behavioral adjustments can be effective in preventing migraine headaches. Once more widely available, Nerivio promises to be a valuable tool for those experiencing migraines.
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Summary
Recent studies highlight new migraine treatments that show promise for children and adolescents, emphasizing the effectiveness of behavioral therapies over traditional medications. A groundbreaking wearable device, Nerivio, has also gained FDA approval for young users. These innovative approaches aim to provide relief without the long-term use of medication, focusing on lifestyle changes and self-care practices.