“Growing pains” in children and adolescents as an early symptom of migraine: A prospective study

Abstract

BackgroundChildren and adolescents may experience pain in the lower limbs, predominantly at the end of the day or during the night, without any relation to organic disease. These pains are often called “growing pains” (GP) by pediatricians and orthopedists. They are commonly attributed to rapid growth.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to review and characterize GP in children and adolescents as a precursor/comorbidity with migraine.MethodsThe study was of a cross‐sectional, prospective, longitudinal cohort, with group comparison. A sample of 100 children/adolescents born to mothers with migraine seen at a headache clinic was recruited in a random order chosen by lot, maintaining the ratio of 1:1 for the group with GP and the controls. Both groups were followed for a period of 5 years.ResultsAfter 5 years of follow‐up, 78 patients completed the study, of which 42 were from the GP group and 36 were from the control group. Headache fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura or probable migraine occurred in 32/42 (76%) of patients with GP and in 8/36 (22%) of controls (p < 0.001). In the sample that initially had “growing pains,” these pains persisted in 6/42 (14%) and appeared in 14/36 (39%) of those who were previously asymptomatic (p = 0.026).ConclusionsPain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents, commonly referred to as GP by pediatricians and orthopedists, may reflect a precursor or comorbidity with migraine.