Do children get migraine headaches? What parents need to know

Headaches are a prevalent issue among children and teenagers, with over half experiencing them at some point. By the age of 18, a majority of adolescents will have encountered headaches. While many headaches are often linked to viral illnesses, some may be indicative of migraines. In fact, recurrent migraines impact as many as one in 10 children and teenagers.

What should you know and do if you think your child or teen may be having migraines?

How early do migraines start to occur?

Indeed, migraines in children are more prevalent than commonly perceived. By the age of 10, approximately one in 20 children has already experienced a migraine, and in some cases, these migraines can occur even earlier in childhood.

An interesting aspect is that before the onset of puberty, boys and girls are equally likely to be affected by migraines. However, after the pubertal phase, there is a notable shift, with migraines becoming more prevalent in girls. This change in occurrence patterns highlights the influence of hormonal factors, which often play a significant role in the development and frequency of migraines.

Which migraine symptoms are most common in children?

Migraines in children can present differently than in adults, and recognizing these distinctive features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. Unlike the often one-sided nature of migraines in adults, children are more likely to experience pain on both sides of the head, manifesting in either both temples or both sides of the forehead.

While distinguishing migraines from other types of headaches can be challenging, there are certain characteristics that parents can observe in their children:

1. Throbbing Pain: Children with migraines often report a throbbing or pulsating quality to the pain, which can be a distinguishing feature.

2. Nausea and Sensitivity: Migraines in children may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and heightened sensitivity to light and noise. These additional symptoms contribute to the overall clinical picture.

3. Atypical Visual Changes: Unlike adults, children may experience less frequent visual changes such as flashing lights or auras at the onset of a migraine. However, parents may notice subtle signs, such as increased tiredness, irritability, or paleness in their child before a migraine episode, followed by a gradual return to normalcy after the migraine subsides.

Understanding these nuanced manifestations of migraines in children is essential for timely intervention and support. Parents and caregivers who observe these signs can work closely with healthcare professionals to develop effective strategies for managing and alleviating the impact of migraines on their child’s well-being.

What causes migraines in children?

The exact cause of migraines remains elusive, and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms has evolved over time. While there was a previous belief that migraines were associated with changes in blood flow to the brain, current insights suggest a more complex interplay involving the sensitivity and reactivity of nerves.

The prevailing theory is that migraines result from nerves being more sensitive and reactive to various stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including stress, fatigue, hunger, and other environmental or lifestyle-related elements. The diversity of potential triggers underscores the individualized nature of migraine experiences, as what may provoke a migraine in one person might not have the same effect on another.

Additionally, there is a strong genetic component to migraines. It’s common for migraines to run in families, and many individuals who experience migraines often have a family member with a similar history of migraines. This familial pattern suggests a genetic predisposition, although the specific genes involved and their precise roles in migraine susceptibility are areas of ongoing research.

In summary, while the exact causes of migraines remain incompletely understood, the current understanding emphasizes the role of nerve sensitivity and reactivity, with a recognition of genetic factors contributing to the likelihood of experiencing migraines. Ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of this complex neurological phenomenon.

Can migraines be prevented?

The primary strategy for preventing migraines involves identifying and avoiding individual triggers. Since triggers vary among individuals, maintaining a headache diary can be a valuable tool in this process.

When your child experiences a headache, keeping a detailed record of the circumstances is beneficial. Note what activities or events were occurring before the headache, the intensity and location of the pain, any measures that provided relief, and any other relevant details. This meticulous documentation assists both you and your healthcare provider in identifying patterns and understanding your child’s specific triggers.

In addition to trigger identification, adopting healthy lifestyle habits plays a crucial role in migraine prevention:

1. Adequate Sleep: Ensure your child maintains a regular sleep schedule, as consistent and sufficient sleep contributes to overall well-being and can help prevent migraines.

2. Regular and Healthy Eating: Encourage regular and balanced meals to stabilize blood sugar levels, as irregular eating patterns can be a potential trigger for migraines.

3. Hydration: Promote regular water intake to prevent dehydration, a factor that can contribute to headaches.

4. Physical Activity: Encourage regular exercise, as it not only promotes overall health but can also help manage stress, a common migraine trigger.

5. Stress Management: Help your child develop effective stress management strategies. This may include activities like relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies.

By incorporating these lifestyle practices and staying vigilant about potential triggers through the use of a headache diary, you can empower both yourself and your child to take proactive measures in preventing migraines. Furthermore, these habits contribute to overall well-being and health. If migraines persist or become more severe, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide additional guidance and potential treatment options.

How can you help your child ease a migraine?

When a migraine episode occurs, simple home remedies can sometimes offer relief. Encouraging your child to lie down in a dark, quiet room with a cool cloth on the forehead may be soothing. If these measures prove insufficient, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be considered. However, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for your child.

A key consideration when using pain relievers for migraines is to avoid excessive or frequent use. It’s advised not to administer these medications to your child more than approximately 14 days in a month. Beyond this limit, there is a risk of developing rebound headaches, where the headaches become more frequent and intense, exacerbating the overall situation. Monitoring and adhering to recommended medication guidelines are essential to prevent this potential complication and ensure the effectiveness of treatment strategies. If migraine episodes persist or worsen, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can help tailor an appropriate and sustainable management plan for your child.

Are there prescription medicines that can help children with migraines?

In cases where home remedies and over-the-counter medications are insufficient, a class of medications known as triptans can be considered for children aged 6 and older to help alleviate migraines.

For children experiencing frequent or severe migraines that significantly impact daily life, including missed school days, doctors may recommend preventive medications. Various types of preventive medications are available, and your healthcare provider can offer guidance on the most suitable option for your child based on their individual circumstances.

In some instances, girls may experience migraines around the time of their menstrual period. If this pattern occurs frequently, a preventive medicine taken around the time of menstruation each month can be beneficial. This approach is tailored to address the specific triggers associated with hormonal fluctuations, offering a targeted solution for managing migraines in this context.

When to contact your doctor

If you suspect that your child may be experiencing migraines, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Before the appointment, bring along the headache diary you’ve maintained, as it can provide valuable insights into your child’s symptoms and potential triggers.

During the appointment, your doctor will likely ask a series of questions, conduct a physical examination, and work toward making a diagnosis. This collaborative process allows you and your healthcare provider to develop the most effective plan for managing your child’s migraines.

It’s crucial to reach out to your doctor promptly or seek emergency medical attention if your child exhibits severe headache symptoms, a stiff neck, coordination or movement difficulties, abnormal sleepiness, or if they are not speaking or behaving as usual. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

For additional information and resources on migraines in children, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers valuable insights on their website. Staying informed and actively engaging with your healthcare provider ensures a comprehensive and tailored approach to managing your child’s migraines, promoting their well-being and minimizing the impact of these headaches on their daily life.