Most of the time, when you say migraine, the image of an adult comes to mind. However, children get migraines too and research has shown that migraines may link to behavior disorders in children.
One recent study on children and migraines that involved 1,856 kids from ages 5 to 11found that children who experienced migraine headaches were more likely to develop behavior disorders. This lined up with other studies showing that children with migraines have a higher risk for depressive disorders, anxiety, and behaviors such as hyperactivity and attention problems.
Behavior problems could be a trigger for migraine attacks in children, or they could be a result of migraines. It’s hard to say because both are common in children. In fact, migraines are one of the top five childhood disorders, even more common than childhood asthma.
RECOGNIZING MIGRAINES IN CHILDREN
In the past, headaches that come and go in children were blamed on sinus problems or allergies. Now doctors know that these types of headaches could be migraines. Here are some of the symptoms of migraines in children.
Pain that limits the child’s activity or is made worse by activity
Pain that is moderate to severe (most migraines are more moderate than severe)
A headache that lasts from one to 72 hours
A headache that comes with nausea or vomiting
A headache that’s made worse by sound or light
Very young children who cannot complain about migraine pain may become quiet, pale, and sweaty. They may also experience aura but this symptom is more common in adults. Because behavior problems have been linked to migraines in some studies, you should look out for a headache combined with symptoms like irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble at school, mood swings, restlessness, crying, withdrawing from friends or family, and lack of energy.
MINIMIZING MIGRAINES IN CHILDREN
Because migraines in children are probably 60 to 70 percent genetic and 30 to 35 percent environmental, so you may not be able to prevent migraines Also, there are different triggers for different children. However, there are certain things you can do as a parent to minimize the effects of migraine on your child and that may prove to prevent behavior problems.
They need to drink enough fluids. Dehydration is a common trigger
Avoid caffeine. Caffeine in soda or energy drinks may be a trigger.
Be sure they eat healthy foods and eat regularly. Skipping meals is also a common trigger.
Regular exercise. Exercise reduces stress, which could be a trigger.
Enough sleep. Most kids need nine hours or more.
As a parent, help your child identify and avoid stress, depression, and anxiety to help reduce migraines and behavior problems.
PREVENTING RELIEF FOR CHILDREN
Treating migraines in kids may begin with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Motrin or Advil. It’s important to start treatment with these pain relievers at the first sign of a migraine. Migraine headaches that do not respond to NSAIDs may be treated with migraine-blocking medications called triptans. There are also migraine-prevention medications that may be used when migraines are very frequent.
More studies have to be done with migraines and children in order to better treat this condition. Until then, the best thing you can do as a parent is to be aware of your child’s suffering with migraines and report them and behavior problems to your pediatrician.
Tags: blurred vision, dizziness, head pain, lightheadedness, migraine symptoms, nausea, vomiting
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