Outpatient Approach to Resistant and Refractory Migraine in Children and Adolescents: a Narrative Review

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2022 Oct;22(10):611-624. doi: 10.1007/s11910-022-01224-4. Epub 2022 Aug 26.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Migraine is one of the top reasons for consulting a pediatric neurologist. Although the majority of children and adolescents who receive evidence-based first-line interventions for migraine will improve substantially, a subset of patients develop resistant or refractory migraine.

Recent findings: In this review, we summarize the level of evidence for a variety of acute and preventive treatment options to consider in children and adolescents with resistant or refractory migraine. We describe the level of evidence for interventional procedures (onabotulinumtoxinA injections, greater occipital and other nerve blocks), neuromodulation (single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, external trigeminal nerve stimulation, remote electrical neuromodulation, and non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway antagonists (anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants), psychological therapies, and manual therapies (acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, massage and physical therapy, and spinal manipulation).

Keywords: Adolescents; Children; Chronic migraine; Migraine; Pediatric; Treatment.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders* / metabolism
  • Migraine Disorders* / therapy
  • Outpatients*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods

Substances

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide