The Maternal Migraine Link to Babies with Colic to be Unveiled at The American Headache Society 61st Annual Meeting

AHS POV: “While more research is needed, this new study suggests healthcare providers should talk to parents about the increased possibility of colic in a baby whose mother has a history of migraine, as well as provide extra resources, education and support to these families at an early stage,” said Andy Charles, Chair of the Scientific Program Committee

A leading pediatric headache expert will present data at the American Headache Society (AHS) 61st Annual Scientific Meeting that identifies a connection between mothers with migraine and babies with colic, or excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant. The study, “The Association Between Parental Migraine and Infant Colic: A Cross-Sectional Web-based, US Survey Study,” found that mothers with migraine are more likely to have a baby with colic, while there was no statistical difference found in children who have fathers with migraine. This study is the recipient of the 2019 Harold G. Wolff Lecture Award, which recognizes the best manuscript on headache, head or face pain, or the nature of pain itself.

“The cause of colic is unknown, yet colic is common, and these frequent bouts of intense crying or fussiness can be particularly frustrating for parents, creating family stress and anxiety,” said Amy Gelfand, MD, Assistant Professor, Neurology and Director of Pediatric Headache, University of California, San Francisco. “New moms who are armed with knowledge of the connection between their own history of migraine and infant colic can be better prepared for these often difficult first months of a baby and new mother’s journey.”

It is estimated that 5 to 20 percent of babies worldwide are affected by colic.  Infant colic peaks at six weeks and typically resolves by the time the baby is three months.  While colic itself usually does not have a negative impact on the infant’s health, it can have a severe impact on parental well-being.

The cross-sectional online study of biological parents of 4-8 week-olds in the US was conducted via parents self-reporting. Data from 1,419 parents completed over two recruitment periods, from 827 mothers and 592 fathers, showed that mothers with migraine were more likely to have an infant with colic, and among mothers with migraine the risk of infant colic was higher if the mother had a headache frequency of ≥15 days/month. Adjusting for maternal depression or anxiety did not change the results.  Fathers with migraine were not more likely to have a baby with colic, though patterns of paternal depression and anxiety associated with colic were evident.

About Migraine
Migraine is a disabling neurological disease that affects more than 37 million women, men, and children in the United States. Migraine impacts one in four households, one in five women, one in sixteen men and one in eleven children in the United States. Globally, migraine affects one billion people. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes migraine as one of the top ten most disabling diseases in the world. Living with migraine is disabling and tends to impact individuals in their most prime years of life. The debilitating nature of migraine is mostly caused by its symptoms, which can vary from person to person and from one migraine attack to another. Migraine attacks may include symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to odors, skin sensitivity, fatigue, mood change, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, changes in speech, neck pain and changes in vision (aura) that may include seeing spots, stars, lines, flashing lights, and zigzag lines. Unlike other chronic illnesses, migraine does not have a test that will lead to a diagnosis. Alongside the many physicians and advanced practice providers, patient advocates and patient advocacy organizations are working each day to ensure those living with migraine have an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment plans, and are driving awareness to ensure research is appropriately focused on finding targeted therapies. The goals of the physicians, advanced practice providers and patient advocates supporting those living with migraine are to ensure that no person living with migraine is alone and that they have access to accurate information and credible resources.

About the American Headache Society
The American Headache Society (AHS) is a professional society of healthcare providers dedicated to the study and treatment of headache and face pain. The Society’s objectives are to promote the exchange of information and ideas concerning the causes and treatments of headache and related painful disorders. Educating physicians, health professionals and the public and encouraging scientific research are the primary functions of this organization. AHS activities include an annual scientific meeting, a comprehensive headache symposium, regional symposia for neurologists and family practice physicians, and publication of the journal Headache. More information can be found at www.americanheadachesociety.org. In 2010 AHS founded the American Migraine Foundation (AMF) to provide access to information and resources for individuals living with migraine, as well as their loved ones. AMF is dedicated to the advancement of research and awareness surrounding migraine, with a mission to mobilize a community for patient support and advocacy, as well as drive and support impactful research that translates into treatment advances for patients with migraine and other disabling diseases that cause severe head pain.  Patients can learn more, find help and get connected by visiting www.americanmigrainefoundation.org.

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