Abdominal Migraine in Adults: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Abdominal migraine (AM) is a debilitating condition characterized by paroxysmal episodes of abdominal pain accompanied by vasomotor symptoms, leading to a significant reduction in quality of life. While more commonly observed in children, AM is rare and less well understood in adults. Diagnostic criteria for adult AM remain poorly defined, and treatment options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have not been extensively evaluated in this population. Pharmacological management may be either prophylactic, aimed at preventing episodes, or abortive, used during acute attacks. Treatment is typically individualized, with a focus on symptom relief and reducing the frequency of attacks. This review summarizes available literature published between 1995 and 2024, with an emphasis on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies for AM in adult patients.