Sub-optimal treatment of paediatric migraine in an emergency department: An observational study

Emerg Med Australas. 2019 Oct;31(5):879-881. doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.13355. Epub 2019 Jul 25.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe treatment of children presenting to an Australian ED with a final ED diagnosis of migraine.

Methods: Planned substudy of a retrospective cohort study of the epidemiology of headache in children was done. Primary outcome of interest was treatment administered in the ED.

Results: Thirty-five children were studied. The most commonly used medications were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol and ondansetron. Specific antimigraine therapy was used uncommonly. Fourteen percent of children received an opiate.

Conclusion: Treatment of migraine in children was not consistent with the available evidence regarding agents' relative effectiveness. The use of opiates is concerningly high.

Keywords: emergency department; migraine; paediatric.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy*
  • Quality of Health Care / standards*
  • Quality of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Victoria