Treating a ChildHeadache
Migraines are most
common in adults, particularly women, but children are also
prone to migraines.
Migraines are not
caused by stress or tension, like tension headaches, but
rather as the result of an intricate biochemical process
involving the constriction and expanding of blood vessels in
the brain. It is estimated that as many as 5% of children
are affected by migraine. Girls and boys are equally
affected by migraines when they are very young. During
puberty there is a shift towards females suffering more than
males. Changes to hormones are the main reason for the shift
in teenage girls.
The diagnosis of migraines in children
is a process of trial and error but migraines may be
diagnosed in children as young as 4 years of age. Usually
migraines are diagnosed as the cause of headaches only after
ruling out more serious causes. In addition, a comprehensive
family medical history should be provided and studied, and
both a general physical and neurological examination can be
expected before an accurate migraine diagnosis can be
determined.
Motion Sickness - most children who
suffer with migraines will have inherited the illness. If
your child experiences any kind of motion sickness, like
‘car sickness’, consider whether there is any family history
of migraines. Motion sickness is often perceived as an early
indicator of the possibility of developing migraines later
in life.
In addition, kids who develop migraines
experience colic, nightmares or disturbances in sleeping
patterns. The throbbing pain experienced by a child’s
migraine is often intense enough to interfere with school
and other daily activities. You should also be aware that
physical activity can exacerbate the situation so make sure
your child’s school PE teacher is aware of your child’s
condition.
Child Headache - associated
problems
As with adult migraines, auras may or
may not accompany a child’s headache. Auras are visual
experiences such as flashing points of lights, zigzagging
lights, etc. Unlike migraines in adults, however, the
duration of migraines usually last no more than three or
four hours. Some extreme child migraines can be very
upsetting for the parents.
They may be
accompanied by temporary neurological problems such as an
inability to speak, a loss of sensation or even, in rare
cases, a loss of consciousness.
Specific to migraines in children is
the so-called " Alice in Wonderland" Syndrome. This syndrome
involves hallucinations that distort images and shapes, or
sometimes cause objects to appear larger or
smaller. In
fact, one theory has it that Lewis Carroll himself, the
author of Alice in Wonderland, suffered from migraines and
that the bizarre occurrences described in his children’s
classic are drawn from his own childhood.
Child Headache - treatment
The treatment of children’s migraines
often includes the use of medications. Most children benefit
from acetaminophen
(Tylenol and
other brands), or anti-inflammatory medications such as
ibuprofen.
However, you should seriously consider consulting your
doctor before giving any pain killers to a child.
Some drugs are used to prevent or
lessen the frequency of migraines, while others are used for
immediate pain relief. Children can be involved in treatment
by keeping a diary of their headaches which may help them to
identify the ‘trigger’ factors. They can plan for rest
(headaches may be relieved by sleep) and learn to manage
stress. Studies have shown that the frequency of migraines
may be lessened by the use of biofeedback, relaxation
techniques and acupuncture. 
In addition, you may
want to look into the many non-drug therapies that are
available such as stress biofeedback, meditation and stress
management. These approaches shouldn’t take the place of any
prescribed medication; they can work in conjunction with
medical treatment. Also, don’t underestimate
the importance of good nutrition, sticking to a sound sleep
routine and making sure the child gets enough
exercise.
Child Headache - summary
If you suspect that
your child may be experiencing migraines, consider making an
appointment with your pediatrician after first keeping a
migraine journal in which you recorded the following
information:
·
Where on the head was the pain
located?
·
How many headaches your child
has each week?
·
How long the headaches
last?
·
How painful were the
headaches?
·
Do your child’s headaches
affect his/her normal activity?
·
Did any foods, drinks or
activities seem to set them off?
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