Abstract Details

Title Prescription of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in an Italian Cohort of Pediatric Headache Patients

Topic Headache

Presentation(s) P03 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 115

Objective

Background BACKGROUND: CAM use in pediatric populations is considerably increased in the last years, especially for pain and chronic conditions.

Design/Methods DESIGN/METHODS: Parents of 130 children affected by headache recruited at San Raffaele Hospital Headache Center underwent a semistructured questionnaire (about type,modality, reasons,perceived benefit of CAM use).

Results RESULTS: In 76% patients used CAM for headache (80% as preventive treatment). Reasons for CAM use were: fear of side effects of conventional drugs (60% patients), desire of an integrated approach (80%), reported inefficacy of conventional medicine (20%). Patients who mostly used CAM were patients affected by migraine without aura (53%) and tensive headache (38%). Female gender, younger age, parents' higher educational status correlated with CAM use (p<0.05). 80% patients using CAM had a familiar history of headache with a history of CAM use in 65%. 73% patients use CAM also to treat other diseases (anxiety, allergies, colitis, insomnia, muscle-scheletric disorders). The most used CAM were: herbal remedies (80 patients) such as Valeriana, G. Biloba, Boswellia Serratia; vitamins/minerals supplements (50 pts) with magnesium, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, vitaminB; Homeopathy (38 pts) with Silicea, Ignatia S., Pulsatilla, Nux Vomica; physical treatment (38 pts) such as Ayurveda, osteopathy, yoga; Bach Flowers (20 pts), Aromatherapy (18 pts); acupuncture (14 pts). A multi-combined approach of CAMs with standard care was present for 58% patients. CAMs were suggested by non-physician (52%), General Practioner (24%), paediatrician (24%). A perceived benefit on headache was reported in 57% cases. No adverse events or side effects except was described except for two cases (transient diarrhea with magnesium, excessive sedation with Valeriana).

Conclusions CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that CAM is widely used among pediatric headache patients, and physicians are mostly unaware of prescription. Further studies are required to investigate safety and efficacy of CAM, as a possible side-medicine to conventional pharmacological approach.

Authors/Disclosures
PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Dacia Dalla Libera, MD (San Raffaele Hospital)	No disclosure on file
Giulia Pavan	No disclosure on file
Giancarlo Comi, MD (University Vita-Salute)	Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Janssen. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Janssen. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Novartis. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Aspen Healthcare. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Sanofi. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Sanofi. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Rewind.
Walter R. Royal III, MD	No disclosure on file

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