Study: Limb Pain Underrecognized as Migraine Manifestation

Limb pain should be considered as a possible inclusion in the migraine spectrum, despite its absence from international headache classifications, according to a recent study.

To further explore limb pain as a possible migrainous manifestation, researchers conducted a prospective clinical and pedigree analysis with 6 years of follow-up involving a 30-member family.
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Migraine limb pain was defined as intermittent pain in the arms of legs during a migraine episode, cluster headache, or cluster migraine that had no explanation. This pain may also occur at times when the individual was not experiencing a headache.

Overall, 8 of the 27 family members had recurrent limb pain, beginning as early as at 8 years old and as late as 30 years old. Pain locations included arm, hand, shoulder, chest, and neck.

Children were found to frequently have limb pain without the presence of a headache, and in adults pain occurred before, during, or after migraine.

Researchers noted that once recognized, limb pain could be successfully treated with migraine prophylaxis, just as other migraine manifestations are.

“Limb pain should be included as one of the periodic syndromes in childhood linked to migraine and recognized as part of the migraine spectrum in adulthood. This diagnosis is important for prognosis and management,” they concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Angus-Leppan H, Guiloff RJ. Familial limb pain and migraine: four generations and eight year follow-up. Paper presented at: The XXII World Congress of Neurology, November 1, 2015, Santiago, Chile.