Many people believe that migraines only impacts adults, however this is not the case. Around 10% of school-aged children suffer from migraines. A migraine is more than just a bad headache. Migraines are categorized as a neurological disease, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, mood swings, as well as, sensitivity to light and sound. Children do not suffer the high frequency or intensity headaches that adults face, but they are just as susceptible to their symptoms. . These headaches will greatly affect the child’s quality of life, things such as concentration at school, participating in their hobbies, or just enjoying home-life can set off triggers for these attacks. Nearly half of all adults’ migraine sufferers claimed they experienced their first migraine prior to their twelfth birthday.
Recognizing The Signs
All children can and will experience a headache, even as young as infancyHow can you be sure it is a migraine? The most notable difference with migraines that are chronic in nature is that they are accompanied by other symptoms. Childhood migraines often go undiagnosed, as the child is unable to adequately express what they are experiencing. Prior to an attack, parents may notice changes in their child’s overall behavior. Children my exhibit loss of appetite, mood swings, withdrawal, sleepiness, and poor coordination. Other indicators could be the presence of night terrors. Children may become anxious and fearful that another attack may occur.
Keeping the child’s routine as normal as possible will help throughout this process. Doctors have found that changing a child’s sleep schedule is one of the most common triggers for a childhood migraine attack.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for children are similar to those intended for adults. Ensuring the children is getting the appropriate amount of sleep necessary for their age group each day can often be the only necessary treatment. Currently, no prescription strength migraine medications are approved for the use with children. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are often effective in easing pain and symptoms children experience. If the use of drugs for pain management is not that treatment route you would prefer to take with your child, consider dietary changes, exercise and even acupuncture treatments.
Be sure to always consult your child’s pediatrician prior to making any changes to their current pain management plan.
Tags: headaches, migraine attacks, migraine treatment, Migraines, side effects, symptoms, treating migraines, vascular headachce
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