Does your child complain of headaches that seem to really knock him or her off their feet? Well, it may not be just a cry for attention. It’s possible that your child is suffering from migraines. This condition affects kids and adults alike, and if left untreated can be debilitating.

Children and Headaches 

Whether it is throbbing and piercing or aching and dull, we’ve all felt the discomfort of a headache. But it’s not just adults that suffer from headaches. Children actually get them more than you might think. While they are normally not the indication of an underlying medical condition, kids can be prone to tension headaches, chronic daily headaches, and migraines, just like adults. It is estimated that up to 10 percent of children suffer from migraine attacks. If you are a parent that suffers from migraines, your child might be more prone to them, as they are often hereditary. It is important to pay attention to your child’s symptoms and get him or her to a doctor immediately if the headaches occur frequently or do not improve. 

Migraine Headaches: An Overview

A migraine is a type of headache that starts on one side of the head, neck, or temple area. The duration of the headache can be as short as a few hours, or last as long as two to three days if left untreated. Migraines are classified as recurrent headaches that happen at intervals. The intervals can be daily, weekly, or monthly. For some children and adolescents, a pattern can be observed in their migraine attacks. One example is for teenaged girls; some will get migraine attacks in conjunction with their menstrual cycle because of the changing hormone levels in their bodies.

It is important for a parent to understand that a migraine is not simply just a bad headache that your child can “power through.” It is very painful and can really sideline him or her from their activities. Migraines have the ability to put a child’s life on pause until the episode has passed. As a parent, it is important to understand what your child might be feeling. Some common symptoms of a migraine include:

• Migraine pain is usually only on one side of the head in adolescents and adults, but can affect both sides in children – which side of the head can vary from headache to headache. The pain is usually described as pounding or throbbing.

• Some children or teens may see flashing lights, spots, zigzags, or experience blurred vision before a migraine. This is known as an aura and serves as a warning that a migraine is going to occur.

• Numbness or tingling of the arm, fingers, or face.

• Pain so severe that continuation of normal activities (school, sports, etc.) is usually difficult, if not impossible. Physical activity usually exacerbates the pain.

• Some migraine sufferers experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and loss of appetite.

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) is common.

Migraines can be a bit of a mystery because their exact causes are still being investigated. Scientists believe that they are caused by changes in nerves, blood vessels, or chemical messengers like serotonin in the brain. New research has led scientists to believe that migraines are a central nervous system (CNS) disorder of the brain and nerves, with the blood vessels playing a secondary role.

Migraine Triggers 

Not all migraines can be prevented, but avoiding triggers can help. If you and your child can learn what things set off his or her migraine attacks, you can begin to avoid those triggers. Some common triggers may include:

• Changes in Eating Patterns: Skipping meals and not keeping the body’s blood sugar constant can be a problem for many young people. Make a habit of eating three meals a day to avoid a headache.

• Stress: Help your child to analyze what causes his or her stress and then work to reduce it. Stress-related migraines can be managed with exercise, good sleep and eating habits, and encouraging fun hobbies.

• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Not getting consistent sleep can contribute to headaches and reduce your child’s ability to manage stress.

• Certain Types of Foods: Some people find that MSG, chocolate, aged cheese or foods with nitrates (such as hot dogs) can set off a migraine attack. If your child comes down with a headache, ask him or her what they ate that day; keeping a food journal can be helpful to try and pinpoint any food triggers.

• Caffeine: Caffeine consumption and withdrawal is associated with migraines. Having lots of caffeine and then having none can trigger a migraine. If you are trying to help your child cut back on their caffeine intake, do so gradually.

• Weather Changes: Some individuals are very sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, which can set off a migraine attack.

• Flickering Lightings, Glaring Lights, Sun Glare: Your child may be especially sensitive to bright light.

• Menstruation: As girls mature, normal changes in their hormones, including those caused by menstruation, can trigger migraines.

• Medications: Some medicines including birth control pills, those given for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or for asthma, may contribute to migraines. Talk to your child’s doctor if you think this may be a factor. 

Migraine Diagnosis

In order to diagnose your child with migraines, your doctor will ask him or her to describe the “features” of their headaches, such as where the pain is, how often the headaches occur, how long they last, etc. A physical and neurological examination will be performed. To eliminate the possibility of a secondary headache (a headache that is a sign of a greater medical problem such as an infection somewhere else in the body), the doctor may want to run tests such as an MRI or a CAT scan. It is important to get a proper migraine diagnosis for your child so that a good migraine plan, including prevention and treatment, can be put into place.

In order to diagnose your child with migraines, your doctor will ask him or her to describe the “features” of their headaches, such as where the pain is, how often the headaches occur, how long they last, etc. A physical and neurological examination will be performed. To eliminate the possibility of a secondary headache (a headache that is a sign of a greater medical problem such as an infection somewhere else in the body), the doctor may want to run tests such as an MRI or a CAT scan. It is important to get a proper migraine diagnosis for your child so that a good migraine plan, including prevention and treatment, can be put into place.

As a parent, it is important to reassure your child that nothing is morbidly amiss with them because of their migraines. It is normal for them to feel that something is very wrong; adolescents who suffer from migraines are especially susceptible to such dire thinking. Having a migraine can be a very scary thing for a child, therefore being a calm and understanding parent is key in helping to manage this disorder.

Biofeedback (learning stress-reduction skills), practicing relaxation techniques, and identifying and eliminating triggers are all effective coping strategies. If you know your child is getting a headache, have him or her rest in a dark, quiet room. Apply an ice pack on the neck or eye area. In terms of medication, most children with migraines respond well to mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For children ages 12 and older, their doctor may prescribe a stronger abortive drug such as a triptan, which is taken at the onset of the headache and helps to stop or reduce the severity of the attack. For some children and adolescents, preventative medication may be prescribed. This is taken daily whether or not your child has a headache to help reduce the severity and frequency of attacks. Antidepressants, anti-convulsants, and beta-blockers are some commonly prescribed preventatives.

Having migraines can be a disorder than can stop your child or teenager in their tracks. However, with the proper diagnosis and proactive treatment, migraines are manageable and do not have to control your child’s life.