AAN

AAN 2025: Seizure drug may reduce headache days in pediatric migraine patients

March 6, 2025

Zonisamide shows promise as an effective prophylactic treatment for pediatric migraines, significantly reducing headache days per month (HDPM). Its efficacy in both intractable and non-intractable cases suggests it could be a valuable alternative to current treatments. These findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting.

Study details: This retrospective cohort study examined the effectiveness of zonisamide in reducing HDPM in 256 pediatric patients with migraine disease. Researchers documented HDPM for each participant before and after starting zonisamide. Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the duration before their follow-up visit: within the first month, within two to six months, and after six months.

Results: The median number of HDPM decreased from 18 to six at the first follow-up visit (95% confidence interval: -12 to -8.5; p < 0.001). The largest reduction was observed in patients with a 2 to 6-month follow-up, showing a median decrease of 6 HDPM (p = 0.01). Additionally, 34% of patients transformed from chronic to episodic migraine, while 4% shifted from episodic to chronic.

Sources:

(2025, February 26). American Academy of Neurology. Drug may prevent some migraine attacks in children and teens. [Press release]. https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5237

King, I., et al. "Effectiveness of zonisamide prophylaxis in reducing headache days per month for pediatric patients with migraine disease, a retrospective analysis." To be presented at The American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting.