The prevalence of learning disabilities in children with migraine: Meta-analysis

Background and Aim : Migraine is a major dilemma and problem which affects public health and results in reduced quality of life. Learning disabilities seem to have a high prevalence among children with migraine. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Learning disabilities in children with migraine.Methods : We searched the international databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) and the national databases (Magiran, Iran Medex, and Scientific Information Database). The standard error of the prevalence reported in each study was calculated assuming a binomial distribution. We used a random-effects model to combine the prevalence rates reported in the studies. I-Squared was used for calculating heterogeneity among the studies. We conducted the meta-analysis using the metan application of Stata statistical software.Results : Six studies were identified with a total of 2412 subjects. Heterogeneity between studies was (I2 = 85. 1%). Based on the results of the random effect method, the pooled prevalence of learning disabilities in children with migraine was 34 % (95%CI: 23% to 45 %). And the overall prevalence of learning disabilities among boys was 38% (95%CI:22.3% to 61.49%), while it was 33% (95%CI: 24% to 43%) among girls.Conclusion : Learning disability is a more common problem in children and adolescents who are referred for neurological assessment due to primary headaches than is described in the general pediatric population. There is a high association between headache diagnosis and school achievements.

Keywords:

Migraine , Learning disabilities , Prevalence , Meta-Analysis