An observational study of headaches in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain.., 2018, Craig et al

Andy · Jul 28, 2018

An observational study of headaches in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain: Relationship to mucosal inflammation and gastrointestinal and somatic symptoms

Headaches and abdominal pain are among the most common pediatric pain conditions. Mast cells have been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraines, as well as functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The primary aims of the current study were to assess headache prevalence in patients with FD and to assess the association between headaches and mucosal mast cells and eosinophils. An additional aim was to explore associations of headache with other symptoms.

We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective chart review of 235 consecutive patients with chronic abdominal pain. All patients had completed a standardized questionnaire as part of their routine clinical evaluation. Both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal somatic symptoms were included in the analysis. All patients diagnosed with FD had undergone upper endoscopy with biopsies obtained from the gastric antrum and duodenum and these specimens were utilized to assess eosinophil and mast cell densities, respectively.

Overall, 86% of patients fulfilled Rome IV criteria for FD. Headache was reported by 73.8% of FD patients versus 45.2% of non-FD patients (P = .001). Duodenal mast cell densities were significantly increased in those reporting headaches. Headache was not associated with any specific gastrointestinal symptoms but was associated with a wide array of non-gastrointestinal symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, muscle pain, joint pain, and chest pain.

Headaches are common in children and adolescents with abdominal pain and, utilizing Rome IV criteria, are specifically associated with FD. In patients with FD, headaches are associated with increased duodenal mast cell density and a variety of somatic symptoms, all of which are possibly the result of mast cell activation.
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Open access at https://journals.lww.com/md-journal...tional_study_of_headaches_in_children.14.aspx

Arnie Pye · Jul 28, 2018

Overall, 86% of patients fulfilled Rome IV criteria for FD.
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Out of interest I looked up the Rome IV Criteria for Functional Dyspepsia and found this link (to the full paper/article, not just the abstract) that others might find useful in conjunction with the paper linked by Andy.

http://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?uid=1291&vmd=Full&

Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2017; 23(3): 325-333 https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm17018
The Application of the Rome IV Criteria to Functional Esophagogastroduodenal Disorders in Asia
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Abstract

The Rome criteria were amended as Rome IV. For functional esophageal disorders, the exclusion criteria have been more specifically revised based on further understanding of other esophageal disorders, including eosinophilic esophagitis and spastic and hypercontractile motor disorders. Another revised point is the more restrictive definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease, indicating that sensitivity to a physiological reflux burden may be placed more firmly within the functional group. For functional dyspepsia (FD), only minor changes were introduced, mainly to improve specificity. Among the major symptoms of FD, not only postprandial fullness, but also epigastric pain, epigastric burning, and early satiation should be “bothersome.” Investigation on the effect of meal ingestion on symptom generation has indicated that not only postprandial fullness and early satiety, but also epigastric pain, epigastric burning sensation and nausea (not vomiting) may increase after meals. Helicobacter pylori infection is considered a possible cause of dyspepsia if successful eradication leads to sustained resolution of symptoms for more than 6 months, and such status can be termed as “H. pylori–associated dyspepsia.” Prompt esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H. pylori testing and treatment would be more beneficial, especially in Asia, which has a high prevalence of gastric cancer. Acotiamide, tandospirone, and rikkunshito are the newly listed as treatment options for FD. For further therapeutic development, clinical studies based on the strict Rome IV criteria should be performed.

Keywords: Belching, Dyspepsia, Globus, Heartburn, Nausea
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SNT Gatchaman · Mar 30, 2025

Headaches and abdominal pain are among the most common pediatric pain conditions. Mast cells have been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraines, as well as functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Click to expand...

In patients with FD, headaches are associated with increased duodenal mast cell density and a variety of somatic symptoms, all of which are possibly the result of mast cell activation.
Click to expand...

Some subsequent papers elucidating the role of mast cells in IBS and migraine —

Characterisation of MRGPRX2+ mast cells in irritable bowel syndrome (2025, Gut)

An interorgan neuroimmune circuit promotes visceral hypersensitivity (2025, Preprint: Research Square)

PACAP activates MRGPRX2 on meningeal mast cells to drive migraine-like pain (2023, Nature Scientific Reports)

A Mast-Cell-Specific Receptor Mediates Neurogenic Inflammation and Pain (2019, Neuron)

Arnie Pye · Mar 31, 2025

Is there any pain that children can suffer from that isn't immediately classified as functional?

alktipping · Apr 1, 2025

A lot if not most of my childhood headaches were caused by light sensitivity unfortunately i was 18 by the time an optician noticed and recommended light reactive glasses which greatly reduced the amount of headaches. I never made a fuss as a child because everyone gets headaches . i also found that i noticed flickering striplights far more than others .

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An observational study of headaches in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain.., 2018, Craig et al

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An observational study of headaches in children and adolescents with functional abdominal pain.., 2018, Craig et al

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