When most people hear the word “migraine,” they picture a pounding headache, sensitivity to light and the need to lie down in a dark, quiet room. But not all migraines occur in your head – some happen in your stomach. These are called stomach migraines, and they’re a real medical condition, especially in kids.
If you have unexplained stomach pain, nausea and vomiting or long stretches of feeling sick with no clear reason, stomach migraines might be part of the puzzle.
If you think you or someone in your family might be dealing with stomach migraines, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. They can review your symptoms and consider treatment options with you.
What are stomach migraines?
Stomach migraines, also called abdominal migraines, are a type of migraine that mostly affects the stomach instead of the head. They often cause stomach pain, nausea and sometimes cyclic vomiting – vomiting that happens repeatedly in a pattern.
“It’s called a migraine because it comes in intermittent fashion, very similar to the traditional migraine,” says Veeral Oza, MD, a gastroenterologist in our Greenville market.
Even though the pain is in the belly, it’s still connected to the brain. That’s because of the brain-gut connection. Your brain and digestive system are always talking to each other. When that system gets out of balance, it can cause migraine-like symptoms in the abdomen.
Stomach migraines can happen at any age but are most common in children, especially between the ages of 5 and 10. Some kids outgrow them, but others may develop classic migraine headaches later in life.
“Adults very rarely will have abdominal migraines,” Dr. Oza says. “Almost always, more than 90 percent of the time, it is in the pediatric population. The age of diagnosis is typically around 7 years old.”
Common symptoms of stomach migraines
It can be hard to diagnose an abdominal migraine because the symptoms can look like other digestive problems. But doctors look for patterns, especially if symptoms come and go with long breaks in between.
Symptoms of abdominal migraines often include:
- Moderate to severe abdominal pain, usually in the middle of the belly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling fatigued or pale
- Headache or dizziness (sometimes, but not always)
These episodes usually last from a few hours to a few days, with the person feeling fine in between.
What causes stomach migraines?
Doctors still aren’t exactly sure what causes stomach migraines, but there are a few things that increase your chances:
Family history
If someone in your family has a history of migraines, children with abdominal migraines are more likely to experience them, too. Genetics plays a significant role.
Food triggers
Certain foods are known to trigger migraines in some people. Common food triggers include:
- Chocolate
- Cheese
- Processed meats
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Caffeine
- Skipping meals or going too long without eating
Keeping a food diary can help spot patterns and prevent abdominal migraines.
“Chocolates and citrusy fruits are commonly associated with abdominal migraine,” Dr. Oza says.
Stress and anxiety
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood – it can mess with your stomach, too. Emotional stress can lead to stomach migraines, especially in kids.
Other health conditions
People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may also be more likely to experience stomach migraines. That’s more evidence of how connected the gut and brain are.
How are stomach migraines diagnosed?
No single test exists to diagnose abdominal migraine, so doctors rely on a mix of:
- Medical history: Looking at symptoms and how often they occur
- Family history: Checking for migraine patterns in relatives
- Elimination: Ruling out other conditions like ulcers, food allergies or infections
Your gastroenterologist may order blood tests, imaging or ask you to track meals and symptoms. If you’ve had multiple episodes of belly pain with no clear cause and you feel fine in between, your doctor may suspect stomach migraines.
How are they treated?
The first goal is to reduce pain and symptoms when they occur. The long-term goal is to prevent abdominal migraines from coming back.
Here’s how doctors often treat them:
Medications
Depending on the person’s age and symptoms, medications might include:
- Pain relievers
- Anti-nausea medicines
- Migraine-specific drugs (like triptans)
- Preventive medicines if migraines are frequent
Always talk to your doctor before starting any medication.
Lifestyle changes
Small habits can make a big difference. These include:
- Eating regular meals and snacks (don’t avoid eating for too long)
- Getting enough sleep every night
- Limiting processed foods and known food triggers
- Drinking plenty of water
These steps help support both the brain and gut.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a type of therapy that helps kids and adults manage stress and anxiety. It can be especially helpful for children who have migraines related to emotions or school stress.
Studies have shown CBT can help reduce the number and severity of migraines. It’s also a great tool for managing other chronic conditions, like IBS.
How to help someone with stomach migraines
If your child has been missing school, losing sleep or feeling miserable because of belly pain, talk to your pediatrician. Keeping a symptom and food diary can help you explain what’s happening.
Watch for patterns like:
- Pain that comes in cycles
- Feeling fine between episodes
- Headache or light sensitivity with the belly pain
- A family history of migraines
The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and help your child feel like themselves again.
How we can help
Stomach migraines are frustrating. They can be hard to understand and even harder to explain, leaving families feeling helpless. But you’re not alone – and you’re not imagining it. Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to help you get answers and build a plan.
Learn about the digestive health and gastroenterology services we offer at Bon Secours.
