Childhood Periodic Syndromes (CPS) – Learning from Triggers and Family

Abstract

Objective: To document childhood periodic syndromes and to suggest two clinically useful markers for diagnosing CPS.

Methods: Children and adolescents aged 3 to15 years presenting with recurrent head pain and migraine mothers were interviewed over a period of 5 years. ICHD2 (International Classification of Headache Disorders – edition 2) diagnostic criteria applied in all patients to diagnose migraine and CPS.

Results: Brief, benign paroxysmal episodes of vertigo were reported by 84, abdominal migraines in 62 and cyclical vomiting in 36. The most significant finding in the history was that, 138 were getting these symptoms when exposed to common migraine triggers like bus traveling, hunger, certain food, strenuous physical exercises, tension anxiety states and sleep disturbances. Either a single trigger or combination of triggers precipitated these manifestations suggestive of CPS. 131 first or second degree siblings were suffering from migraine (1.1,1.2,1.6).

Conclusion: CPS are not rare. Documenting common migraine triggers and family history of migraine will make CPS diagnosis easier in children and adolescents.