Most people might not be able to imagine a child suffering from the debilitating pain brought on by a migraine headache. In fact, a common misconception is that migraines headaches are, exclusively, an adult condition. However, two percent of children seven years of age or younger have experienced migraines. Beyond that, ten percent of children who are seven to ten years of age have experienced them as well. In early childhood and before puberty, most children who are affected by migraine headaches are boys. Although, it has been shown that after puberty, young women are affected more than young men.
Symptoms in Children
One reason that migraine headaches might be left untreated in a child is because their symptoms can be very different than they are in adults. It is important to recognize these differences. Some of them include:
• It may last anywhere between 1 hour to 72 hours.
• Pain can be felt all across the forehead or on the temples rather than just one side.
• Their primary symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, and feelings of vertigo rather than the headache pain itself.
• Paleness with dark circles under the eyes.
• Tearing.
• Swollen nasal passages.
• Thirst, swelling, excessive sweating.
• Increased urination and diarrhea.
• A need to sleep.
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In addition to these symptoms, they may experience the typical symptoms of a migraine headache as well.
Causes
There are a number of factors that may cause a child to experience a migraine headache. The most likely and contributing factor is heredity. Unfortunately, children who experience migraines may also inherit the ability to be affected by specific triggers such as bright lights, fatigue, and changes in weather. However, the most common triggers for children who experience migraine headaches include:
• Illness.
• Infection.
• Cold.
• Fever.
• Stress.
• Lack of sleep .
• Changes in normal eating patterns.
• Medications.
• Travel.
• Diet.
• Changes in regular routine.
• Alcohol.
• Chocolate.
• Cheese.
• Nuts.
• Shellfish.
• Chinese food.
• Sugar.
• Caffeine.
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By identifying the migraine triggers that most affect one’s child, the less likely he or she will be susceptible to falling victim to a migraine headache. By taking the necessary steps to avoid his or her specific triggers one can help their child’s quality of life to be more enjoyable.
Tags: aura, cause of migraines, enlarged blood vessels, genetics, Hormonal, menstration, migraine, migraine triggers, stress, Weather
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