Migraines in Kids

 Children with Migraines

Photo Credits:Morguefile, by Arashdeep

When you hear the word Migraine, you may have not associated it with kids unless you have a child that has them. Migraines not only hinder adults, but children have them also.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

This is a condition associated with migraines. Children with this condition have an increased risk of Migraines. The Syndrome involved bouts of vomiting and nausea for several days. Certain triggers such as colds, sinus problems, chocolate or cheese, hot weather, and physical exhaustion are just a few of them according to CNN.com.




Migraine Statistics


An estimated 70% of children and adolescents suffer migraines and have family members that suffered migraines as children. They further state that triggers such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes, depression, and sleep patterns are some of the causes of the migraines according to webmd.com. It is important to get a correct diagnosis from the doctor so that the child can begin treatment. A complete physical exam, CT scan (computed tomography), or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be needed. No one likes to see their child in pain.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during puberty can trigger migraines in children. Also, changes in children’s sleep schedules when school starts can trigger migraines in children and can last from one hour to 72 hours, possibly felt across the front of the forehead and on both temples.




Doctor Visit

When a child has a severe headache, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any life-threatening situations. Often when we take our children to the doctor it is important to have our questions written down to ask the doctor. Once in to see the doctor be sure to take notes and/or do an audio recording according to emedicinehealth.com.

Keep a Record

You can help your child by keeping a record of how many headaches per week, where it is located, how severe the pain is, and how long they last. These are a few things to record for your pediatrician according to health howstuffworks.com. Keeping a record can give your pediatrician a good idea of what is going on with your child and help give the correct tests that may be needed.

Source:

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, November 24, 2010, Mayo Clinic.com
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome/DS00835.html

Your Child’s Headache or Migraine, Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on February 23, 2013
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/your-childs-headache

Returning to Classrooms, and to Severe Headaches, August 30, 2010, 5:30 pm, By TARA PARKER-POPE

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/returning-to-classrooms-and-to-severe-headaches/

When to Seek Medical Care and Questions to Ask,

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/migraine_headache_in_children/article_em.htm

Your Child’s Headaches May Be Migraines, Dr. Rob Danoff,

http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/your-childs-headaches-may-be-migraines1.htm

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