The Prevalence of Headache and Migraine in Atopic Children: An Epidemiological Study in General Practice

(Hons) M.J. Mortimer B.Sc M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P., D.P.D., 

Corresponding Author

(Hons) M.J. Mortimer B.Sc M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P., D.P.D.

Sherwood House Medical Practice, Sherwood Road, Smethwick, West Midlands, B675DE, United Kingdom

Dr. MJ Mortimer, Sherwood House, Sherwood Road, Smethwick, West Midlands, B675DE, UKSearch for more papers by this author
J. Kay M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P., D.R.C.O.G., 

J. Kay M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P., D.R.C.O.G.

Sherwood House Medical Practice, Sherwood Road, Smethwick, West Midlands, B675DE, United Kingdom

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D.J. Gawkrodger M.D., F.R.C.P.E., 

D.J. Gawkrodger M.D., F.R.C.P.E.

Section of Dermatology, University Department of Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, S10JF, UK

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A. Jaron B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P, 

A. Jaron B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P

Sherwood House Medical Practice, Sherwood Road, Smethwick, West Midlands, B675DE, United Kingdom

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(Hons) D.C Barker B.Sc., 

(Hons) D.C Barker B.Sc.

Division of Organization Studies and Applied Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, B47ET, UK

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First published: September 1993
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1993.hed3308427.x
Citations: 86

Abstract

SYNOPSIS

The lifetime prevalence of headache and migraine was assessed in an unselected sample of atopic (asthma, eczema or rhinitis) children in a general practice population of known socio-economic and age/sex composition. Maternal migraine was also recorded. The prevalence of both headache and migraine was significantly and proportionally higher in children with atopic disorders compared to those without. Childhood migraine was associated with atopy and the association was strongest with rhinitis. Rhinitis in children was associated with maternal migraine. A history of atopy (especially rhinitis) supports the diagnosis of migraine in young children with paroxysmal headaches.