MIGRAINES AND CHILDREN

WHAT ARE MIGRAINES?
Everybody has had a headache from time to time but a migraine headache is like no other. Characterized by massive pain located mainly in the head and just about anywhere, it often affects the eyes, hearing, cognitive thinking, memory and the ability to ascertain balance and movement in gait. Essentially, a migraine is a neurological disorder that is not fully understood and often associated with other conditions. The pain could be throbbing and may increase in strength with outward stimuli such as noise, loud music, shouting, bright lights, strobe lights and even strong odors. With the headache, nausea and vomiting are sometimes experienced and may even lead up to the loss of sleep. Not to mention fatigue, this certainly sets in.
Migraines can occur at any age, but mostly in the prime of life (20-55). More women have these attacks than men and that is primarily due to hormonal changes caused by menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
MIGRAINES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
About 56% of boys and 74% of girls report having migraines from 12 to 17 years of age. The percentage increases in boys over girls for migraines encountered in earlier ages. Most migraine adult sufferers have had migraines as children and some people remember having them as early as 10 years old. Generally, children have the same kind of headaches as adults do. Kids get migraines usually as the result of an infection of some sort, such as an ear infection or a cold, and not an indicator of a major disease.

The direct causes of migraines are unknown both in children and adults. Researchers now believe that abnormalities in certain parts of the brain can be inherited. A family history of migraines in one or both parents might pass on not only the ability to have migraines but also the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers such as bright lights, changes in weather, food and sounds.

TYPES OF MIGRAINES FOUND IN CHILDREN
The most common type experienced by children is the classic migraine. It is accompanied by an aura which is characterized by visual abnormalities such as flashing lights, wavy lines, blind spots, double vision and also visual hallucinations. The aura precedes the headache about 30 minutes and generally lasts about 20 minutes. With the onset of the headache the aura soon disappears. Sometimes the aura will produce sensory symptoms as well.
Migraine without an aura is another common form children have. This headache could be localized in front or back of the head with the pain radiating to the face or neck. It is aggravated by physical activity and is relieved by sleep. Some of the other symptoms involved with this migraine are gastrointestinal problems, irritability and dark circles around the eyes with pale skin. Nausea and vomiting coupled with sensitivity to sound, light and movement are also linked with this migraine and if left untreated could last up to 72 hours.
Basilar migraines are a subtype of this disorder and not as common. The pain is usually located in the back of the head, comes with an aura and is found in young females.

Acute confusional migraine occurs in the teenage years and is described by episodes of confusion, amnesia, agitation and lethargy. Children don’t usually complain of headaches even though they seem to be in pain but rather display combative, restless and delirious behavior. The episodes last about 6 hours and end in sleep. Children with this type of migraine usually develop typical migraine attacks later in life.
Abdominal migraine is typified by bouts of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain but without the headache. Children suffering with this type go to sleep after a while and usually feel a lot better when they wake up. This kind of migraine gradually diminishes as the child grows older.

MIGRAINE TRIGGERS OF CHILDREN
Sometimes the migraine is brought on by certain outside stimuli. Children can be a lot more sensitive to light, sounds and smells, and may have triggers too, just like adults do. Foods they eat like chocolate, cheese, nuts, caffeine (found in soda drinks and chocolate), shellfish, and sugar could trigger a migraine especially if there’s a family history with the same triggers.
Sometimes the lack of or deficiency of serotonin, which is a natural chemical of the brain, can trigger a migraine headache. This is somewhat speculative even though some drugs used to treat migraines target this chemical.

WAYS TO TREAT MIGRAINES IN CHILDREN
Keeping a diary of when the migraines occur, what was eaten at the occurrence of the attack, and the whereabouts of the attack will help in establishing the triggers. Then the child can learn to avoid what triggers the attacks.
There are medications but only use them under a physicians care.
For children suffering with migraines, the best treatment is sleep. A quiet dark room with a gentle massage will help the child relax and soon fall asleep. Besides all the treatments this by far is the best.

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