Quality of Life in Children with Migraine: A Case–Control Study

Abstract

We conducted a case–control study to determine the effects of migraine on quality of life (QOL) in children. Participants, aged between 6 and 18 years, were assigned to migraine (n = 70) and control (n = 70) groups. We used a translated version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 questionnaire. From the children's perspective, the overall QOL scores in all domains were lower in children with migraine. Children in the migraine group had significant lower scores in the social, emotional, and physical functioning (p-value < 0.05) than control group. Interestingly, a significant difference in the educational performance was not seen (p-value = 0.101). Relative to the parents' responses and children, the overall scores in all domains were lower in children with migraine. Statistically significant lower scores were found only in emotional and physical domains (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that migraine imposes a substantial negative impact on the different aspects of QOL in children.