Triptans in the Acute Migraine Management of Children and Adolescents: An Update

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize recent findings regarding triptan use in the acute treatment of pediatric migraine.

Recent findings: Prevalence of pediatric migraine is rising. The American Headache Society and American Academy of Neurology updated guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of acute migraine in youth. In the setting of a dearth of new randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we review current guidelines, triptan use in the emergency department, and an era of secondary analyses. Measuring the efficacy of triptans in pediatric migraine has been challenged by high placebo response rates. Secondary analyses, combining data from multiple RCTs, support that triptans are safe and effective in the treatment of migraine. Triptans are a vital tool and the only FDA-approved migraine-specific treatment available in pediatrics. There is a need for further studies and funding support in pediatric headache medicine.

Keywords: Acute migraine treatment in pediatrics; Pediatric migraine; Pediatric triptan use; Triptans pediatric emergency department.