A 6-month follow-up of disability, quality of life, and depressive and anxiety symptoms in pediatric migraine with magnesium prophylaxis

Magnesium is frequently used for pediatric migraine prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to evaluate to which extent the disability levels, quality of life (QOL), and anxiety and depressive symptoms change after 6-month magnesium prophylaxis in pediatric migraine. This is a follow-up study of 34 children aged 7-17 years with migraine treated with oral magnesium. Disability due to migraine was assessed by the Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment tool (PedMIDAS), QOL was assessed by the KIDSCREEN-27, and anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). PedMIDAS scores significantly decreased from baseline to end-point (F(df, df(error)) = 11.10 (1.63, 50.49), p < 0.001), as well as anxiety (F(df, df(error)) = 8.95 (1.64, 50.67), p = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (F(df, df(error)) = 8.91 (1.59, 49.29), p = 0.001). Considering the KIDSCREEN-27, scores for physical and psychological well-being and social support domain significantly increased from baseline to end-point (p <= 0.01). After 6 months of magnesium prophylaxis, disability due to migraine significantly decreased, whereas physical and psychosocial well-being improved. Children also reported fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms. More follow-up and randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to propose clinical recommendations for magnesium prophylaxis in pediatric migraine.