Amersham Osteopathic Clinic

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Is infant colic a type of early migraine?

Colic (paroxysmal crying) is a problem affecting newborns, but we aren’t sure what it is yet, despite years of research

Colic refers to episodes of irritability, screaming, or inconsolable crying for 3 or more hours a day,  for 3 +days a week,  for more than 3 weeks. It is worse around 6 to 8 weeks of age and usually sorts itself out by around 16 weeks.

Studies are beginning to show links between colic and adult migraines: if mums have migraines, their babies are 2.5 times more likely to have colic.  If a baby has colic, they are 6.5 times more likely to have headaches and migraines as a child or teenager.

Colic may not be stomach / tummy related 

Current evidence suggests colic is unlikely to be caused by intestinal gas as the frequently used infacol (simethicone) was not seen to have a beneficial effect compared to placebo in a recent trial. Breast and bottle fed babies both get colic. Lactose intolerance is not colic and babies with this respond very quickly when put on a lactose free formula / breast feeding mums cut out lactose in their diet. However, babies with an allergy to cow’s milk protein often have colicky symptoms, as do babies with reflux.

Probiotics have, however, been seen to give relief for some colicky babies, but not all.

In vulnerable babies, nerve fibres in the brain (migraine) or the gut (colic) may be hypersensitive. Children are also known to have abdominal migraines (like a ‘headache’ in their tummy, sometimes with nausea and vomiting, like a migraine). The article suggests that the immature brains of newborns may be more sensitive to normal stimuli, triggering migraines / headachy symptoms  – this can sometimes result in inconsolable crying.

Infant Colic May Be Early Migraine Pauline Anderson. American Headache Society (AHS) 56th Annual Scientific Meeting. Presented June 27, 2014.

Childhood Migraine Linked to Colic in Infancy. Megan Brooks JAMA. 2013;309:1607-1612,1636-1637

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Amersham Osteopathic Clinic
Caer Sidhe
Chiltern Road
Amersham
Bucks, HP6 5PH, UK

Phone: 01494 434 651

 

We welcome your general comments & inquiries on any aspect of our website or services.
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Amersham Osteopathic Clinic - looking after you and your family.

Clinic Hours • 01494 434651

The Amersham Osteopathic Clinic is open 5 days a week. We aren't open Bank Holidays.

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Tuesday
Wednesday
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9.00 am – 6.00 pm
Closed
9.00 am – 5.45 pm
9.00 am – 6.00 pm
2.00 pm – 6.15 pm
8.30 am – 1.00 pm

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Teaching / Lecturing

As well as being principal at Amersham Osteopathic Clinic, I am also Consultant in Charge at the Osteopathic Centre for Children's London clinic (part of the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy) and teach theory and practical techniques on the current Diploma course. I am on the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy Teaching Faculty. I teach … Read more...

Interesting news / articles on health / diet / medical matters

  • COVID-19
    • COVID-19: attending the Clinic
  • Is infant colic a type of early migraine?
  • Dealing with back pain
  • Don’t take NSAIDs during pregnancy
  • Study on benefit of manipulative therapies for infantile colic
  • Plagiocephaly research emerging
  • Diet and infantile colic
  • Good pregnancy diet important
  • Omega-3s – good for your mental health
  • Probiotics – a range of uses
  • Salt and blood pressure
  • Paracetamol, anti-inflammatory and pain killer risks

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