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Migraines profoundly impact well-being, especially in children and adolescents. From 1990 to 2021, global pediatric migraine disability has increased, with particular vulnerability in females and adolescents aged 15–19.1 A 2023 meta-analysis found the prevalence of primary headache diagnosis in individuals aged 8–18 years to be 62%.2 The prevalence of a migraine diagnosis was 11%; 8% […]

Pediatric migraine prevention: Current evidence and future directions in the era of calcitonin gene-related peptide

Lily Anastasi, Lanie Masset, Jennifer W McVige
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Published Online: Nov 12th 2026 touchREVIEWS in Neurology. 2026;22(1):1–6:Online ahead of journal publication
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Abstract

Overview

The following is a review of the current literature focusing on pediatric migraine prevention, with attention to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) modifying medications. This is presented within the context of a multimodal approach to wellness regarding headache care in pediatrics.

Pediatric headache medicine can be challenging, given the lack of research on this topic. In addition, difficulties with designing research protocols, communication limitations and developmental considerations create barriers to obtaining evidence-based outcomes. This is especially concerning given the vulnerability of this population.

Through a literature search focusing on preventive headache treatment and CGRP, this article presents current evidence and consensus statements regarding the standard of care in pediatric migraine.

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Article

Migraines profoundly impact well-being, especially in children and adolescents. From 1990 to 2021, global pediatric migraine disability has increased, with particular vulnerability in females and adolescents aged 15–19.1 A 2023 meta-analysis found the prevalence of primary headache diagnosis in individuals aged 8–18 years to be 62%.2 The prevalence of a migraine diagnosis was 11%; 8% presented as migraine without aura and 3% as migraine with aura.

Epidemiologic data collected regarding pediatric patients with headache may actually underrepresent the true magnitude of disease burden due to comparatively less funding for research. A 2021 analysis of National Institutes of Health funding for pediatric disorders revealed that pediatric headache resulted in the highest measured disability while receiving the least amount of funding.3 Fortunately, the advent of several new treatment options for migraine disorders has created a surge in pediatric migraine research, especially involving calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

Living with migraine can cause a severe disease burden in pediatric and adolescent patients, along with impacting the lives of caregivers and family. The presence of headaches in children was associated with decreased school participation, and absences were positively correlated with headache frequency in patients aged 5–19.4 In addition, patients aged 6–17 years with mood or anxiety disorders have higher reported levels of headache disability.5 Adolescents aged 12–17 years with headaches are more likely to experience bullying from peers, mood/anxiety disorders and suicidality.6

Traditional adult preventive headache therapies, including antidepressants, antiepileptics and antihypertensive medications, were not originally designed to treat migraine.7 Most were incidentally found to decrease migraine severity and frequency, though side effect profiles were poor. Medicines were dose-adjusted for pediatric patients given the lack of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved migraine treatments.

Research in pediatric migraine has traditionally involved participants aged 6–18, though children under 6 years can experience migraine as well. This research has identified an unfavorable side effect profile in many pediatric migraine preventive therapies, cultivating interest in alternative treatment avenues. Promising new data on CGRP-related therapeutics in adults now allows for a shift in pediatrics toward CGRP modulation for migraine.

To evaluate the existing evidence for preventative migraine therapy in pediatrics, a literature search was performed via the Primo search engine through institutional access to all journal articles, texts, ebooks and electronic databases. Google Scholar was also used, as well as the American Headache Society (AHS) and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) websites to view consensus statements and current publications. This paper presents a summary of this data.

Pediatric migraine prevention before the era of CGRP

The standard of care for pediatric headache prevention involves a stepwise approach that begins with addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to migraine, including adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration and physical activity. In addition, it is recommended to discuss modifying migraine triggers, including the use of electronic devices, alcohol, obesity, substance use and stress.8

Following lifestyle modifications, nutraceuticals are often presented as an option, and several have been investigated for potential migraine prevention. However, studies in pediatric patients are limited by low sample sizes and product heterogeneity. There is some evidence for magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.9 Currently, there are no evidence based or consensus-based recommendations on the implementation of nutraceuticals in pediatric migraine treatment.10

Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) has robust evidence in support of migraine prophylaxis and was demonstrated to enhance the efficacy of preventive treatment with amitriptyline.11,12 Similarly, biofeedback and relaxation techniques were found to be beneficial in preventing pediatric migraine and can be integrated into a multimodal treatment plan.13 There is evidence in adults for a behavioral intervention app utilizing guided intervention of education and relaxation in combination with remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) that has demonstrated efficacy as well.14 REN is an FDA-cleared neuromodulation device that is worn on the upper arm to stimulate peripheral nerves. Other neuromodulation devices that are cleared by the FDA for use in pediatrics include single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulators.15

There are non-CGRP medications used for the prevention of pediatric migraine (Table 1).15–19 Many were incidentally found to have therapeutic benefits for this condition in adults. In 2019, the AAN and the AHS developed guidelines for the preventive treatment of headaches in children and adolescents. This included antiepileptic medicines such as topiramate and extended-release divalproex sodium (DVPX ER). Topiramate showed moderate confidence in decreased monthly migraine day (MMD), low confidence in decreased migraine-related disability and insufficient evidence in all other outcomes. There was insufficient evidence for DVPX ER. The antidepressant, amitriptyline, was found to have insufficient evidence as a stand-alone treatment.7

Table 1: Pediatric non-CGRP preventive pharmaceuticals and neuromodulation devices15–19

Drug class

Pharmaceutical name

Dosing

Common side effects

Antiepileptic

Divalproex sodium ER

250 mg/d,500 mg/d, or 1,000 mg/d

Thrombocytopenia and other bone marrow suppression, pancreatitis, hyperammonemic encephalopathy, hepatotoxicity, teratogenic, carnitine deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, sedation, weight gain, hair loss, hair curling, dizziness, ataxia, nystagmus, tremor16,17

Topiramate

100 mg/d or 2–3 mg/kg/d

Teratogenic, nephrolithiasis, glaucoma, word-finding, difficulties, weight loss, paresthesia, decreased sweating, decreased efficacy of oral contraceptive pills at doses ≥200 mg/day16,17

Levetricetam**

20–60mg/kg/day (250–3,000 mg/day)

Fatigue, psychiatric and behavioural side effects (irritability, mood lability)17–19

Antidepressent

Amitriptyline

1 mg/kg daily

Increased risk of suicidality, increased risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other medications that increase serotonin, constipation, dry eyes, dry mouth, sedation, QT prolongation16,17

Amitriptyline and CBT

Amitriptyline (1 mg/kg/d)

Beta-Blocker

Propranolol

20–40 mg, 3 times a day

Hypotension, bradycardia, weight gain, may worsen asthma and depression16,17

Calcium Channel Blocker

Flunarizine*

5 mg/d

Sedation, weight gain16,17

Cinnarizine*

1.5 mg/kg/d if <30 kg or 50 mg/d if >30 kg

Sedation, weight gain16,17

Nimodipine

10–20 mg, 3 times a day

Gastrointestinal side effects, hypotension, bradycardia, nausea16,17

Antihistamine

Cyproheptadine**

0.04 to 0.2 mg/kg

Sedation, weight gain17,19

Neurotoxin

Onabotulinumtoxin A

74 U IM or 155 U IM

Injection-site pain, neck weakness, worsened headache, ptosis16,17

Device class

Device name

Age group

Application site

Common side effects

Neuromodulation Devices**

Single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (s-TMS)

12+

Back of the head

Light headedness, tingling, tinnitus, dizziness15

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS)

12+

Side of the neck

Application site discomfort, irritation, redness, tingling, prickling; muscle twitching and/or contractions; pain in face, head, neck, teeth, dizziness15

Remote electrical neuromodulation (REN)

8+

Upper outer arm

Warmth, temporary arm/hand numbness, itching, tingling, muscle spasm, pain in the arm, shoulders, neck, rash or redness at site15

* not available in the USA

** not part of recommendations from 2019 AAN and AHS Guidelines

CGRP = calcitonin gene-related peptide.

The pivotal Child and Adolescent Migraine Prevention (CHAMP; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01581281) trial compared the frequency of headache and headache disability when treated with amitriptyline, topiramate or placebo.20 The primary outcome was the ‘reduction of 50% or more in the number of headache days.’ There were no significant differences found between treatment groups, with 52% of the amitriptyline group, 55% of the topiramate group and 61% of the placebo group attaining the primary outcome. Notably, adverse events were more common with amitriptyline and topiramate compared with placebo.

In combination with CBT, however, amitriptyline showed high confidence in decreased MMDs, 50% reduction in headache frequency and moderate confidence in decreased migraine-related disability. The β-blocker, propranolol, showed low confidence in a 50% reduction in headache frequency. Calcium channel blockers assessed included flunarizine, cinnarizine, and nimodipine. Flunarizine and nimodipine had insufficient evidence. However, cinnarizine had moderate confidence in decreased MMD and headache severity, but it is not available in the USA. OnabotulinumtoxinA, a neurotoxin, was determined to have insufficient evidence; however, the pivotal trial involved only one treatment dose.7 Adult trials showed that at least two treatments were necessary to demonstrate efficacy.21

It should be noted that preventive treatment medications should be used in conjunction with acute therapies such as triptans, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), neuromodulation devices and more for optimal care.15,22 This article focuses on preventive treatment options for the pediatric population, as this landscape is rapidly changing.

CGRP therapies have demonstrated success and favorable side effect profiles in adults for both prevention and acute treatment, making them an attractive option for pediatrics. These have been used off-label for pediatric patients who have not been adequately supported by traditional, pharmaceutical treatments.23

The CGRP pathway in migraine pathophysiology

The neuropeptide, CGRP, was first discovered in 1982. The involvement of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology was first proposed in 1985 and was confirmed in 1990. First discovered in the 1980s and marketed in the 1990s, triptans target the presynaptic receptors to regulate CGRP release. These medications have been utilized in the acute treatment of migraine. In 2000, a group of small peptide receptor antagonists referred to as gepants was first characterized for their affinity for CGRP receptors. These medications are designed to be taken by mouth. In 2004, olcegepant, the first gepant discovered, demonstrated acute relief of migraine. Several other gepants were evaluated for acute migraine therapeutics, but trials ceased as concerns for hepatotoxicity rose. In 2013, large molecule monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for prophylactic migraine treatment gained interest. These medications are designed to be delivered intravenously or through subcutaneous injection monthly or quarterly. These antibodies are not processed by the liver, mitigating the risk for hepatotoxicity. Additionally, mAbs have a long serum half-life, relieving the need to take the medication frequently. Furthermore, the antibodies have high affinity and selectivity for CGRP receptors, reducing off-target side effects. Recent clinical trials involving several gepants, including ubrogepant, rimegepant and atogepant, have demonstrated preventive and acute migraine relief without concern for hepatotoxicity or other serious adverse effects. While gepants lack a prolonged half-life, their oral formulation addresses concerns about injection-site reactions with administration of mAbs.24

In 1990, the involvement of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology was confirmed in adults through observed elevated CGRP release during migraine attacks.24 Recent pediatric studies show that mean plasma levels of CGRP are elevated in migraine patients both ictal and in interictal periods, compared with patients with non-migrainous headaches. Young patients with high-frequency migraine also had higher CGRP levels compared with those with low frequency.25 Additionally, CGRP levels have been shown to decrease throughout the lifespan.24

Evidence for CGRP-targeted therapies in adults

Multiple CGRP therapies have undergone preventive clinical trials in adults. These trials are traditionally divided to account for the number of monthly headache/migraine days; therefore, patients are classified as chronic (≥15 headache days per month) or episodic (<15).26 Current FDA-approved anti-CGRP preventive options include mAbs: erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab and gepants: rimegepant and atogepant. All therapies have demonstrated reductions in MMDs for adults in 12–28 week clinical trials, along with proven safety and tolerability in long-term investigations. These treatments are listed in Table 2, highlighting pivotal trials regarding primary outcomes, route of delivery, as well as safety and efficacy.19,27–46 All mAbs and the gepant atogepant are approved for both episodic and chronic migraine. However, the gepant rimegepant is only approved for episodic migraine.47

Table 2: Adult CGRP preventive treatments – FDA approved27–46

Drug class

Pharmaceutical name

Route of delivery/Frequency

Dose

EM/CM

Primary outcome

Side effects

Monoclonal Antibody

Erenumab

SC Injection monthly

70 mg, 140 mg27

EM

MMD

Constipation, injection site reactions, URI, nasopharyngitis, hypertension, Raynauds phenomenon, nausea, UTI, influenza, sinusitus, arthralgia, migraine, diarrhea, fatigue, bronchitis

70 mg28

CM

MMD

70 mg29

EM

MMD

70 mg, 140 mg30

EM

MMD

Fremanezumab

SC Injection monthly or quarterly

225 mg, 675 mg31–33

EM

MMD

Injection site reactions, URI, nasopharyngitis, hypertension, Raynauds phenomenon, sinusitis, bronchitis, migraine, UTI, influenza

CM

MHD

EM and CM

Safety and tolerability

Galcanezumab

SC Injection monthly

120 mg, 240 mg34–3745–47

EM and CM

Safety and tolerability

Injection site reactions, URI, nasopharyngitis, hypertension, Raynauds phenomenon, sinusitis, weight gain, back pain, nausea, arthralgia, influenza, dizziness, myalgia

EM

MMD

EM

MMD

CM

MMD

Eptinezumab

IV quarterly

100 mg, 300 mg38

CM

MMD

Hypertension, Raynauds phenomenon, hypersensitivity, fatigue

30 mg, 100 mg, 300 mg 39

EM

MMD, MRR, short term medication use

30 mg, 100 mg, 300 mg40

EM

MMD

300 mg41

CM

Safety and tolerability

Gepant

Atogepant

PO BID or QD

30 mg, 60 mg42

CM

MMD

Constipation, injection site reactions, URI, nasopharyngitis, hypertension, Raynauds phenomenon, weight loss, gastroenteritis, elevated AST, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, sinusitus, arthralgia, muscle strain, pharyngitis streptococcal

10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg43

EM

MMD

60 mg44

EM

Safety and tolerability

Rimegepant

PO EOD

75 mg45,46

EM and CM

MMD

Nasopharyngitis, URI, nausea, UTI, hypertension, Raynauds phenomenon

EM and CM

MMD

AST = aspartate aminotransferase; BID = twice daily; CM = chronic migraine; EM = episodic migraine; EOD = every other day; IV = intravenous; MHD = monthly headache days; MMD = monthly migraine days; MRR = migraine responder rates; PO = by mouth;QD = daily; SC = subcutaneous; URI = upper respiratory tract infection; UTI = urinary tract infection.

In 2024, the AHS issued a position statement endorsing CGRP therapy for migraine prevention as effective, safe and tolerable. They recommended CGRP therapies as a ‘first-line treatment’ for adults that ‘should not require trial and failure of non-specific migraine preventive medication approaches.’ The statement emphasizes the low dropout rate in clinical trials, indicating adherence. Furthermore, the AHS not only discussed the positive results from clinical experience with off-label use of CGRP therapies but also acknowledged the paucity of evidence in pediatrics.47

Emerging data in the pediatric populations

A small retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of anti-CGRP therapeutics (including erenumab, eptinezumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, rimegepant, ubrogepant and atogepant) in patients aged 12–21 for headache. After 1 month, 82.6% experienced >50% reduction in headache days. Satisfaction was reported by 69.89% of patients, with 95.7% reported no side effects and 69.9% continued treatment. Authors noted increased effectiveness when anti-CGRP therapeutics were combined with OnabotulinumtoxinA or other traditional therapies. However, this was a very small sample size (n=23) with heterogeneous treatment.48

Fremanezumab attained FDA approval for migraine in pediatric patients in August 2025 and is currently the only FDA-approved CGRP treatment for pediatric migraine.49 The medication is delivered through a subcutaneous injection monthly, and it is approved for patients aged 6–17, over 45 kg, with episodic migraine only. In the clinical trial, 47.2% of participants on fremanezumab experienced a 50% or greater reduction in MMDs, compared with 27% control. The most common adverse event was injection site erythema, in 9.8% of the treatment group and 5.4% placebo. Patients received 120 mg for <45 kg and 225 mg for ≥45 kg. However, commercially available fremanezumab is only available at a 225 mg dosage.49,50 There is currently no FDA-approved anti-CGRP therapeutic for pediatric patients <45 kg, <6 years old or with chronic migraine. However, it is important to note that there are several ongoing pediatric clinical trials researching additional anti-CGRP therapeutics, which are described in Table 3.50–65 These medications were approved for adults.

Table 3:Pediatric CGRP preventive studies50–65

Drug class

Pharmaceutical name

Dosing

Age (in years)

EM/CM

Primary outcome

Side effects

Monoclonal antibody

Fremanezumab

120 mg<45 kg and 225 mg≥45 kg

6–1750

EM

MMD

Injection site erythema, pain, and swelling

6–1751

CM

MMD

Injection site erythema, upper abdominal pain, injection site induration, neutrophil count decrease, increased prothrombin international normalized ratio, prothrombin time prolonged and laceration.

6–1752

EM and CM

Safety and tolerability

Erenumab

35–70 mg<40 kg and 70–140 mg≤40 kg

6–1753

EM

MMD

Respiratory tract infection, headache, and vomiting.

6–1754

CM

MMD

Galcanezumab

120 mg/mL, 1 mL every 30 days

12–1755

CM

MMD

Constipation and fatigue.

6–1756

EM

MMD

Eptinezumab

150 mg>20kg≤40 kg, 300 mg>40 kg

6–1757

EM

MMD

Orthostatic hypotension and infusion related reactions.

6–1758

EM and CM

TEAEs

12–1759

CM

MMD

Gepant

Atogepant

Oral Tablet

12–1760

CM

AEs, MMDs

No data in paediatrics patients.

6–1761

EM

MMDs

6–1762

EM and CM

AEs

Rimegepant

75 mg, 50 mg or 35 mg

6–1763

EM and CM

AEs

No data in paediatric patients

75 mg or 50 mg (2×25 mg)

6–1764

EM

MMDs

75 mg

12–1765

CM

MMDs

AEs = adverse effects; CGRP = calcitonin gene-related peptide; CM = chronic migraine; EM = episodic migraine;MMD = monthly migraine days; TEAEs = treatment emergent adverse effects.

Clinical and ethical considerations

As seen in the CHAMP trial, pediatric patients have elevated placebo rates, creating challenges with clinical trials.20 In 2018, the AHS Pediatric and Adolescent Headache special interest group (SIG) issued recommendations on anti-CGRP mAbs in children and adolescents, at a time when no anti-CGRP mAbs were approved for pediatrics. Within the recommendations, the SIG discussed trial design and participant selection. Trial design for pediatric patients included a single-blind placebo run-in, as well as a crossover design. Further recommendations emphasize the inclusion of patients with continuous headaches along with those who have not responded to prior therapies. Additional suggestions include monitoring growth and long-term follow-up.66

CGRP is involved in several physiological processes; therefore, there has been concern for CGRP therapies in developing patients. Animal models suggest that CGRP plays a role in bone ossification and formation, as demonstrated by decreased bone mass when the ɑ-CGRP gene is knocked out. There is limited evidence in humans; however, caution is advised for patients with bone diseases, as well as osteopenia. Additionally, growth should be monitored while utilizing mAbs in developing patients, as 90% of peak bone mass is achieved by age 18. Providers may consider only prescribing to post-pubertal patients and supplementing vitamin D. Weight and body mass index (BMI) should also be monitored due to mAbs’ potential impact on metabolism, as high CGRP levels have been linked to obesity. Therefore, it has been theorized that mAbs may decrease body weight.66 There are currently no long-term prospective studies evaluating bone health in adult or pediatric patients on CGRP inhibitors.

CGRP and its receptors are also involved in brain development and central nervous system maturation. Anti-CGRP mAbs do not cross the blood–brain barrier, but their use should be limited in pediatric patients with damaged blood–brain barriers. CGRP is present in both the cardiovascular system and the perivascular nerves, raising concern about the potential cardiovascular effects of CGRP-related therapeutics. The pivotal trials involving CGRP-targeted medications have not revealed serious medication-related adverse events that were cardiovascular in nature. However, the FDA updated prescribing information for all CGRP-targeted migraine medications warning that hypertension can develop or worsen and Raynaud’s phenomenon can develop or worsen when taking these medications.67 Similarly, concerns have arisen about the effect of blocking CGRP in the immune system, given the role of CGRP in the neuro-immune axis. The lack of serious infections in adult trials has mitigated this concern.66

Given concerns of low adherence to medical treatment and high placebo effect in pediatric populations, it is important to address both caregiver and patient openness to treatment. Both female patients and their caregivers demonstrated greater openness to treatment. Caregivers with education extending beyond high school were more open to treatment.68 The mosaic of factors that impact openness to treatment must be considered and discussed between family and clinician to foster trust, ultimately promoting the care plan.

In adult patients, socioeconomic factors and race were found to significantly affect prescription access to CGRP therapeutics, as White participants were most likely to receive these medicines.69 It remains unclear how disparities in headache care may impact access to emerging treatments, such as mAbs and gepants, for pediatric patients, as the majority of these medications are still used off-label. These formulations are also relatively expensive, which causes insurance coverage issues.68 Clearly, further research and accessibility are necessary to provide optimal care for all patients.

Practical implications for clinical practice

In the 2018 recommendations, the Pediatric and Adolescent Headache SIG suggested considering anti-CGRP mAbs for pediatric patients with ≥8 MMD and moderate-to-severe disability measured by PedMIDAS or another validated instrument. They recommended 2–3 other preventive treatments trialed prior to anti-CGRP use. When treating developing patients, trial treatment at the lowest dose for 2 months and increase if necessary. Once a therapeutic goal is attained for a few months, the patient could eventually attempt to wean off the medication in the future, as pediatric migraine may have a shorter natural course in some patients.66

Each individual patient requires a unique treatment plan to meet their specific needs. This may often involve a multimodal treatment approach; however, there are few studies that evaluate combined preventive therapies with CGRP products in the pediatric population. A small retrospective study (n=10) evaluated the efficacy of anti-CGRP interventions in combination with lifestyle modifications in pediatric patients with chronic migraines. Lifestyle modifications were classified as exercise, sleep and nutrition. Over the 12-month study period, migraine disability, migraine frequency and rescue medication use decreased, suggesting the need for further investigations.70

There is currently a lack of empirical evidence on the combination of nutraceuticals, behavioral interventions, neuromodulators, preventive pharmaceuticals and acute pharmaceuticals in conjunction with CGRP therapeutics in children. However, there is evidence for the benefits of combination therapy in adults. Notably, there is strong evidence for the prophylactic treatment of migraine with CGRP-targeting therapies combined with OnabotulinumtoxinA treatments in adults. Additionally, non-CGRP targeting therapeutics are a relatively accessible therapy that can provide added benefit for migraine relief when used in combination with CGRP targeting therapeutics.71 While these data provide meaningful insight into treating pediatric headache disorders, further research may emerge with future access to FDA-approved preventive treatment in pediatrics.

Future directions

There are currently several clinical trials in progress to assess anti-CGRP therapeutics for both preventive and acute treatment of migraine headaches, as seen in Table 3. Given our current understanding of CGRP’s role in migraine pathophysiology, this has become a possible biomarker of interest; however, studies show variable results.25 Additionally, longitudinal investigations on CGRP–targeting therapies in pediatric patients with particular attention to developmental concerns, including bone health and cardiovascular changes, are needed. Considerations should be made for sex differences, particularly in patients of childbearing age. Current practice parameters for the preventive treatment of pediatric headache do not include CGRP-related therapies. The development of updated guidelines with the addition of these treatment options is essential as clinical trials conclude. Barriers in access to these medications due to approval and socioeconomic factors also require significant attention.71 FDA approval of such medications may support mitigating these barriers.

Conclusion

Treatment of headache in children and adolescents necessitates a multifactorial approach and has historically been overlooked and underresearched. However, with the advent of CGRP-directed therapeutics in adult migraine, there has been a noticeable rise in dedicated pediatric migraine research. This article discusses the most up-to-date literature on pediatric migraine prevention, focusing on the emerging use of CGRP treatments and evidence-based standards of care. Anti-CGRP therapies are extremely promising for pediatrics due to their demonstrated efficacy and low side effect profile. However, studies are limited by challenges with design protocols for pediatric populations, as well as concerns regarding development and dosing. Even when medications are successfully FDA approved for pediatric migraine, access remains an issue. Migraine is a disease that affects adults and children alike. Preventive therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and families and should be appropriately researched and made accessible for all ages. The pediatric migraine horizon continues to show promise, given the many CGRP therapies still in clinical development.

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Article Information

Disclosure

Lily Anastasi, Lanie Masset and Jennifer W McVige have no financial or non-financial relationships or activities to declare in relation to this article.

Compliance With Ethics

This article involves a review of the literature and does not involve any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Review Process

Double-blind peer review.

Authorship

All named authors meet the criteria of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors for authorship for this manuscript, take responsibility for the integrity of the work as a whole and have given final approval for the version to be published.

Correspondence

Jennifer W McVige, Pediatric Neurology, Dent Neurologic Institute, Amherst, NY 14226, USA; jmcvige@dentinstitute.com

Support

No funding was received in the publication of this article.

Access

This article is freely accessible at touchNEUROLOGY.com. © Touch Medical Media 2026.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Dent Family Foundation for their continued support for research at Dent Neurologic Institute. No artificial intelligence (AI) or large language model (LLM) tools were used in the development of this article.

Data Availability

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the writing of this article.

Received

2026-03-19

5

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