Child Neurology Society's Brainstorm CNS Brainstorm Episode 27 "Diagnosing Migraine" with guest Lauren Doyle Strauss, DO, FAHS
Mar 23, 2025
In this discussion, Lauren Doyle Strauss, an Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology and headache expert, dives deep into the nuances of diagnosing migraines in children. She highlights key characteristics and symptoms that set pediatric migraines apart from adults. Strauss addresses the complexities of aura and emphasizes the importance of recognizing sensory cues in kids. The conversation also touches on lifestyle management, hereditary factors, and the crucial role of EEG in diagnosis, all while advocating for respectful language that diminishes stigma around migraines.
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Migraine Definition
- Migraines are recurrent headaches, often unilateral and pulsating, ranging from moderate to severe intensity.
- Key features include photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea or vomiting, lasting 2-72 hours.
Pediatric Migraine
- Pediatric migraine criteria differ from adults, requiring a minimum attack length of 2 hours (vs. 4 in adults).
- Bilateral pain is more common in children before puberty than the classic unilateral location.
Migraine Prevalence
- Migraine is a highly prevalent condition, affecting an estimated 1 billion people globally.
- It impacts approximately 1 in 11 children.