Migraine and Its Equivalents: What Do They Share? A Narrative Review on Common Pathophysiological Patterns

Abstract

Migraine is the first in order of frequency of the neurological disorders, affecting both adult and paediatric populations. It is also the first cause of primary headaches in children. Migraine equivalents are periodic disorders that can be associated with migraine or considered as prognostic features of a future migraine manifestation. Despite the mechanisms underlying migraine and its equivalents are not entirely clear, several elements support the hypothesis of common pathophysiological patterns shared by these conditions. The aim of this review is thus to analyze the literature in order to highlight which currently known mechanisms may be common between migraine and its equivalents.

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“…Among the advantages of the ICHD-3 criteria was that of highlighting the periodic syndrome related to migraine that are called “episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine” ( 9 , 24 ). In addition to the already known benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood, cyclical vomiting and abdominal migraine, another condition has been added that is the benign paroxysmal torticollis ( 9 ).…”

“…In addition to the already known benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood, cyclical vomiting and abdominal migraine, another condition has been added that is the benign paroxysmal torticollis ( 9 ). Cyclical vomiting and abdominal migraine have been clubbed together as “Recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance” ( 9 , 24 ). Since it is frequently described that children with migraine also have a history of episodic syndromes, consideration should be given to including the latter among the criteria for the diagnosis of migraine in the child ( 24 ).…”

“…Cyclical vomiting and abdominal migraine have been clubbed together as “Recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance” ( 9 , 24 ). Since it is frequently described that children with migraine also have a history of episodic syndromes, consideration should be given to including the latter among the criteria for the diagnosis of migraine in the child ( 24 ).…”

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“…Ilaria Frattale et al [ 2 ], in their narrative review, examined migraine equivalents, which are periodic disorders that can be associated with migraine including; recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance, cyclical vomiting syndrome, abdominal migraine, infantile colic, benign paroxysmal torticollis and benign paroxysmal vertigo.…”