Many parents might not know that their children can have migraines. These are rarely diagnosed because the symptoms presented in children are different from those of adults. These headaches are severe and could potentially impact the child’s functionality, reducing school time, playtime, and family time. Knowing the symptoms early enough and the causes of this condition can go a long way in its management.

When parents face their child constantly complaining of headaches, it is not surprising that they have a lot of questions. What might be leading to such headaches? That’s why some people are confused about whether they are experiencing migraines or something else entirely. This blog is a comprehensive guide to the causes, signs, and management of migraines in children, which will help parents.

What Are Childhood Migraines?

Child migraines or migraines in kids are severe headaches that can be as complicated as a mild headache to extreme head discomfort. Contrary to migraines in adults, which might be a one-sided temporal or occipital headache, early childhood migraines might affect both sides of the head or even the forehead.

These migraines are usually associated with other forms of discomfort including vomiting, nausea, and avoiding sources of sound or light. Migraine in children can develop from infancy but are most typical in children aged 5-15 years.

Causes of Migraines in Children

Recognizing the risk factors for pediatric migraines will enable guardians and doctors to avoid those factors and consequently manage the incidences. Below are some common reasons:

1. Genetics

If migraines are hereditary, then you will find that your child is also a potential candidate for it. Research indicates that 60- 80% of children diagnosed with migraines have a first-degree family member who also experienced the same.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Stress from school, friends, and even family can lead to migraines. Migraines in children that are caused by stress will manifest themselves through mood swings, tiredness, and headaches.

3. Dietary Triggers

Migraine foods include chocolates, processed meats, and beverages containing caffeine. Hunger or lack of meals can also have a role to play in one’s life, or at times even dehydration.

4. Environmental Factors

Anything from bright lights or loud noises to strong smells or even rapid switching of the weather may act as a trigger.

5. Sleep Issues

If a child has too much sleep or gets insufficient sleep the child is bound to alter his or her usual schedule for the migraine. They both should be regular: once you have developed a preferred sleeping schedule, you need to stick to it.

6. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes are another cause of migraines and older children especially at puberty are prone to this disease. This is especially so in girls in early adolescence, especially when they are preparing for menstrual periods.

Childhood Migraine Symptoms

Migraine symptoms differ from those of young children and adults hence are difficult to diagnose in children. Below are common childhood migraine symptoms:

1. Head Pain

  • Is commonly bilateral in young children but may become unilateral in older children.
  • Pain intensity spans from mild to severe.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

  • A lot of kids may also complain of nausea and or vomiting during a migraine episode.

3. Light and Sound Sensitivity

  • Anything that will irritate the headache such as bright lights or loud noises causes children to be confined in areas with low light and less noise.

4. Abdominal Pain

  • Stomach migraines which are seen in children are migraines that present themselves as severe abdominal pains rather than a head ache.

5. Aura

  • Some of the children experience visual phenomena such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots before migraine occurs.

6. Dizziness and Fatigue

  • Headache can be accompanied by symptoms such as lightheadedness or feeling fatigued than usual.

Diagnosis of Migraines in Children

The diagnosis of migraines in children can thus only occur after the exclusion of other causes of headache and comprehension of the said symptoms. Hematology, biochemistry, clotting profile, and viral serology are essential baseline investigations to be carried out. Diagnosis in some cases may necessitate imaging services such as MRI or CT scan which a pediatric neurologist may prescribe.

Treating Migraines in Children

Although there might not be a universal treatment regime, a person diagnosed with migraines can take measures to prevent and treat the migraines.

1. Lifestyle Changes

  • Healthy Diet: Increase compliance to a healthy diet and in the process be sure to steer clear from certain foods that may cause flare-ups.
  • Consistent Sleep Routine: Make it a point that your child receives the correct amount of sleep needed by him at the correct time.
  • Hydration: It is also important to remind the customer to take a lot of water to avoid dehydration.

2. Managing Stress

Educate the patient about ways in which stress, tension, and anxiety can be managed for example by teaching the patient concepts like deep breathing, meditation,n or even yoga. Screen time should also be minimized as well as encouraging the children to spend more time outdoors since it helps to reduce stress levels.

3. Medication

For migraine of high intensity doctors may recommend medication that needs to be taken. Options include:

  • Pain Relievers: For a headache, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help drop the intensity of the headache.
  • Triptans: The doctor may prescribe specific migraine drugs for older children.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT assists children enable to handle psychological aspects of migraines that encompass anxiety and stress inputs.

5. Preventive Medications

For patients mildly suffering from migraines, the doctor may prescribe preventive medicines such as antihistamines or beta-blockers.

6. Avoiding Triggers

A best practice is to keep a migraine diary to monitor and later avoid certain triggers that incite a migraine.

Caring for a Child With Migraines

Parents may feel sad if they witness their child in so much pain. Here are some tips to provide comfort and support:

  • Maintain a calm discomfort whenever a migraine reveals itself by making sure that the room is less illuminated and less noisy.
  • Always have their preferred belongings close by, including a blanket, and a cold pack if wanted.
  • Talk to their school so that educators know about the situation and can assist the child.

When to See a Doctor

Headache is often experienced in children and although at times it may be rare migraines must be treated by the doctor. Visit a doctor if:

  • The headaches are worsening either in their frequency or in their severity.
  • It is coupled with other worrying signs such as blurred vision, muscle weakness, or confusion.
  • Paracetamol and other over-the-counter drugs do not appear to make a difference or may even worsen the situation.

Conclusion

The headache for a child and the cruder form of suffering for a family they represent, migraines can appear in childhood; however, their timely and accurate diagnosis makes it possible to predict and provide effective treatment for most cases. It relates the causes, signs, and available treatment mechanisms in a way that will help parents prevent the advancement of diseases in their children.

If you have any idea or feel your child is part of this group, ensure they seek the service of a pediatric neurologist or any other preferred doctor.

For further assistance, please contact Dr. Nikhil Pawar at Vidya Vikas Hospital or call 082081 64155.

Support your child to start a new page in his or her life without worrying about headaches. Book an appointment today!