Parental satisfaction with sumatriptan nasal spray in childhood migraine

Migraine headaches are a frequently encountered neurologic problem in children. The utility of the triptans has not been as clearly documented in this population, although it is well delineated in acute migraine attacks in adults. We conducted a retrospective chart review of our experience with using sumatriptan nasal spray in children aged 5 to 12 years from our headache clinic population with migraine headaches. The nasal spray formulation is used frequently in our clinic population with patients who have failed over-the-counter therapy with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. None of the triptans are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in children or adolescents (12 years and older). One hundred of these patients were identified, and their parents or guardians completed a standardized questionnaire regarding their child's response to sumatriptan nasal spray in acute migraine. Fifty-seven of 100 families completed the questionnaire, and 44 of 57 families (77%) reported good to excellent relief of their child's migraine attacks with sumatriptan nasal spray. In our cohort of pediatric patients, sumatriptan nasal spray was effective and well tolerated when used for abortive therapy of acute migraine attacks.