9th September 2023, Mumbai: Exploring the Link Between Growing Pains and Migraines in Kids
Headaches are a common complaint among both adults and children, often dismissed as a part of everyday life. However, new research published in the journal Headache sheds light on an intriguing connection between discomfort in the lower limbs, frequently termed “growing pains” by healthcare professionals, and the risk of migraines in children and teenagers.
The Study’s Start: A Glimpse into Family History
To unravel this mysterious connection, researchers conducted a study involving 100 children and adolescents born to mothers with a history of migraines. These young participants were seen at a specialized headache clinic, offering a unique perspective into their family histories and experiences. Remarkably, half of the youth involved in the study reported experiencing growing pains. The initial observations were intriguing, suggesting a potential link between these two seemingly unrelated phenomena.
Shared Family Pain Syndromes: A Clue Emerges
Delving further into the family histories of these children, the researchers discovered a notable pattern. In families where children experienced growing pains, there was an increased prevalence of other pain syndromes, most notably migraine among parents. Conversely, children with a history of migraines themselves displayed a higher likelihood of experiencing growing pains. This revelation hinted at a common underlying cause, prompting the researchers to hypothesize that growing pains in children could serve as either precursors or comorbidities with migraines.
Five Years In: Key Findings Emerge
After a five-year follow-up period, the study yielded valuable insights. Of the original 100 participants, 78 successfully completed the study. These remaining individuals were split into two groups: 42 were from the cohort that initially reported growing pains, while 36 belonged to the control group. The results were striking. Headaches occurred in a staggering 76 percent of participants who had experienced growing pains, in stark contrast to the 22 percent in the control group who reported headaches.
Growing Pains: A Persistent Phenomenon
The persistence of growing pains was another eye-opening discovery. Among the participants who initially reported growing pains, 14 percent continued to experience them throughout the study. Equally intriguing was the fact that growing pains emerged in 39 percent of participants who had previously been asymptomatic. These findings underscored the notion that growing pains were more than just a temporary childhood discomfort; they might be indicative of something more significant.
A Potential Precursor or Comorbidity?
Drawing from their extensive research and the compelling data gathered over five years, the study’s authors reached a thought-provoking conclusion. They posited that the pain experienced in the lower limbs of children and adolescents might serve as a precursor or comorbidity to migraines. This conclusion not only challenges conventional thinking about growing pains but also opens up new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing migraines in young individuals.
The study’s findings highlight a remarkable connection between seemingly unrelated phenomena: growing pains and migraines in children and teenagers. The researchers’ meticulous investigation into family histories and longitudinal data collection shed light on this intriguing relationship. As we gain a deeper understanding of the potential precursor role of growing pains, it becomes clear that addressing these childhood discomforts may hold the key to mitigating the burden of migraines in the future. This groundbreaking research paves the way for further exploration into the common pathogenesis of these conditions and offers hope for improved management and prevention strategies for migraines in young individuals.
-by Kashvi Gala