Children with Common Neurological Conditions Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine Twice as Frequently as Those Without (P04.170)

Abstract

Objective: To describe CAM use in children with common neurological conditions as compared to the general pediatric population. Background Recent literature suggests that one in nine children in the US uses some type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Children with challenging neurological conditions such as headache, migraine, and seizures may seek CAM in their attempts at self-care. Our objective was to describe CAM use in children with these conditions. Design/Methods: We compared use of CAM in 9,417 children with and without common neurological conditions (headaches, migraines, seizures) using the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data where CAM might plausibly play a role in their self management. Results: Children with common neurological conditions reported significantly more CAM use compared to the children without these symptoms (22.2% vs 11.0%, p Conclusions: CAM use is twice as common in children with common neurological conditions compared to those without. More work is needed to further characterize the nature of CAM use in this population as well as its benefits in neurological disease. Whether and how to harness the self-management benefits of some CAM modalities in the care of pediatric patients with neurological conditions is an important area of investigation. Disclosure: Dr. Jansons has nothing to disclose. Dr. James has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ziegenfuss has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tilburt has nothing to disclose.