18 March 2024 
A significant portion of children, approximately 60 percent, report experiencing children’s migraine at some stage of their development. Additionally, around 10 percent of children endure the distressing symptoms and limitations associated with migraines. It’s crucial to understand that children’s migraine is more than just a typical headache; it’s a neurological condition that can significantly impact individuals of all age groups.
Though children’s migraine is similar to adult condition, its impact can differ. Understanding the disease equips parents to assist their children in identifying causes and exploring suitable treatment options.
What are the symptoms of Children’s Migraine?
Telling whether your child’s headache is a migraine can be challenging as the symptoms are different for each person. However, if your child experiences some or many of the following statements, it’s advisable to consider consulting a doctor for further evaluation and guidance.
- Migraine-related head pain ranges from moderate to severe in intensity.
- While traditionally throbbing and one-sided, children and teens may experience steady, bilateral discomfort, often above the eyes.
- Migraine attacks in children are typically shorter compared to adults, lasting from one hour to several days.
- Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Children might also experience difficulty focusing, blurred vision, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
- Abdominal pain can accompany a migraine attack in some children.
- The severity of head pain often disrupts daily activities, leading to missed school or other engagements.
- In rare cases, depression or irritability in children may signal an underlying migraine condition, however, this case can be seen very rarely.
Occasionally, children may experience an irregular feeling before a migraine sets in which is uncommon. Irregular feelings or an aura are often displayed as visual disturbances but can also affect speech or cause sensations of numbness in the face and arm.
Furthermore, migraine is classified based on attack frequency. Episodic migraine refers to instances where individuals have fewer than 15 headache days per month, while chronic migraine is diagnosed when patients endure more than 15 headache days monthly.
What Causes Children’s Migraine?
To date, there was a prevailing belief among researchers that changes in brain blood flow were the primary cause of children’s migraines. However, current understanding suggests that while these changes may contribute to the pain, they are not the initial cause of migraine in children. Instead, scientists now view migraines as a brain malfunction—a disorder primarily impacting brain function and nerves, while also affecting blood vessels. This malfunction is believed to be initiated by releasing specific chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, in the brain, such as serotonin. This chemical release leads to inflammation and the sensation of pain associated with migraines.
children’s Migraines have a genetic component, often running in families. Research indicates that approximately 60% to 70% of individuals who experience migraine headaches have a close biological family member, such as a parent, sibling, or immediate relative, who also suffers from migraines.
While many children experience migraines without any specific triggers, some may have attacks triggered by identifiable factors or causes.
Kid suffering from Children’s migraine
How to Treat Migraine Headaches in Children?
Treating pediatric migraines involves different approaches. A key part is helping your child lead a healthy lifestyle. Your child’s healthcare provider will offer tips on everyday habits that could help ease the children’s migraines. These might include:
- Ensuring enough sleep each night.
- Eating healthy food and not skipping any meals.
- Engaging in regular exercise.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Effectively managing stress levels.
Your child’s healthcare provider might suggest finding a suitable medication to alleviate migraine symptoms promptly. These medications should provide relief within an hour, allowing your child to resume their daily routine. Initial treatment typically involves over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like ibuprofen and naproxen, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For more severe migraines, your child’s healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications such as triptans (e.g., sumatriptan).
If your child experiences migraines frequently (more than once a week), their provider may propose preventive medications or supplements to reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks. Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend a daily intake of medications like amitriptyline or supplements such as magnesium over several months.
Final Thoughts
It’s heart-wrenching to watch your child suffer from pain that you can’t just make disappear. If your child is grappling with migraines, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Getting an accurate diagnosis early on is key to starting the right treatment promptly. Take the time to educate yourself about migraines and what might trigger them for your child. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child through their migraine episodes.
