Quality of life in paediatric migraine: characterization of age-related effects using PedsQL 4.0

The aim of this study was to measure quality of life (QOL) across a broad age range of paediatric migraine patients. Children and adolescents (n = 686) with migraine completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) and a standardized headache assessment at an initial clinic visit. The sample size for each PedsQL age group was: age 2-4 = 21, age 5-7 = 86, age 8-12 = 298, and age 13-18 = 281. Mean total score was 72.7 +/- 14.8, significantly less than healthy norms (P < 0.01). Teens reported lower School Functioning than older and young children (P < 0.05) and young children reported lower Social Functioning than older children and teens (P < 0.001). A moderate relation was found between self and parent report. Age-related effects on QOL have implications for the evaluation and management of migraine in paediatric practice. The self and parent report forms of the PedsQL can be used in a practice setting.