Pediatric Migraine Phenomena and Variants: Don't Let Them Go Over Your Head

Purpose of ReviewPrimary care providers, general pediatric neurologists, and other related subspecialty providers require a clear understanding of pediatric migraine with typical aura and its variants.Recent FindingsWe highlight some of the genetic mutations known to contribute to specific types of migraine with aura, discuss the ophthalmologic phenomena of migraine and call attention to some of the earliest manifestations of migraine in children, many of which have correlates in adulthood.SummaryWhile the majority of headaches in children are migraine with or without aura or tension type, many migraine and aura variants exist. Early and accurate diagnosis of episodic syndromes associated with migraine, as defined by the 2018 ICHD-3 criteria, can help to reduce unnecessary imaging, referrals, cost and anxiety, thereby benefiting patients and their families.