Children and adolescents may experience nausea, sensitivity to light, and a throbbing headache as migraine symptoms.
Children and adolescents often have headaches. In fact, more than 50% will suffer from headaches at some point, and most teenagers will have experienced them by the time they turn 18. Additionally, not all headaches are due to viruses; some are actually migraines. As much as one in ten children and adolescents All over the world suffer from recurrent migraines.
If you suspect your teen or child is suffering from migraines, what should you do and what should you know?
How soon do migraines start to appear?
Although we don’t usually consider migraines in children, one in twenty of them had experienced one by the age of ten. And sometimes migraines can start even earlier.
Before the onset of puberty, the risk is comparable for both men and women. Girls experience migraines more frequently after puberty.
What migraine symptoms do children experience most often?
In adulthood, migraines are usually one-sided (unilateral). They are more likely to be felt on both the forehead and the temples on the sides of the head in children.
Although it can be difficult to distinguish a migraine from another type of headache, children
They frequently describe shooting pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise.
In children, flashing lights and other visual abnormalities commonly seen during migraine attacks are less common. But before a migraine starts, parents may notice that their child is more tired, irritable, or pale, and that it takes some time for them to return to normal afterward.
What is the cause of migraines?
It is unknown what specifically causes migraines. It does not appear to be related to blood flow to the brain, as we once believed. It seems that increased nerve sensitivity and reactivity to stimuli are the causes of migraines. Stress, tiredness, hunger or almost anything else could be that stimulus.
It is hereditary to have migraines. In fact, most migraineurs have a family member who also suffers from headaches.
Is it possible to prevent migraines?
Identifying and preventing migraine triggers is the most effective strategy for preventing migraines. Triggers change from person to person, so keeping a headache diary is a good idea.
When your child has a headache, write down what was happening before the headache, how bad it hurt and where it hurt, what helped, and anything else that comes to mind. This allows you and your doctor to identify patterns that can help you understand your child’s specific triggers.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats regularly and healthily, drinks plenty of water, exercises regularly, and manages stress. Not only does this help prevent migraines, but it is also beneficial for overall health!
How can you help your child cope with a migraine?
When a migraine hits, sometimes all it takes is lying down in a dark, quiet room with a cold cloth on your forehead. If not, ibuprofen or paracetamol may help; Your doctor will advise you on the optimal dose for your child.
It is essential not to give these pills to your child more than 14 days a month, as doing so can cause rebound headaches and make everything worse.
Is there a prescription medication that can help young people who suffer from migraines?
If those techniques are not effective, a family of medications known as triptans can help children ages 6 and older stop migraines.
Doctors often use migraine medications to prevent migraines in children who have frequent or severe headaches that cause missed school days or otherwise interfere with life. There are several types and your doctor can advise you which one is best for your child.
Some women experience migraines around the time of their cycle. If this happens regularly, it may be beneficial to take a preventative medication around the time of menstruation each month.
When should you consult your doctor?
If you suspect your child suffers from migraines, call and make an appointment. Carry your headache diary with you. Your doctor will ask you many questions, perform a physical examination, and then make a diagnosis. You and your child can work together to design the best plan for your child.
If your child has a severe headache, neck stiffnessdifficulty with coordination or movement, are unusually tired, or do not speak or behave normally, you should always call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
The American Academy of Pediatrics website contains important information about migraines, as well as how to treat and prevent them.
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