Definition
Definition
Migraine is a type of recurring headache that involves blood vessels, nerves, and brain chemicals. Sensations called auras may come before a migraine. Auras can include visual changes or numbness and tingling. There are 2 types of migraines:
- Migraine occurring with an aura
- Migraine occurring without an aura
MigraineCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Migraine headaches can affect a child’s performance in school, relationships with friends and family, and other factors in a child’s life.
Causes
Causes
The precise reason that a child is susceptible to migraines is unknown. Factors that may play a role include:
- Genetics and environmental triggers
- Changes in a nerve that serves as a major pain pathway
- Imbalance in brain chemicals, like serotonin
Factors that can trigger a migraine include:
- Physical exertion or too little physical activity
- Too much sleep or too little sleep
- Missing a meal
- Motion sickness from traveling
- Tiredness
- Overuse of pain medications
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Certain foods such as chocolate, citrus fruits, dairy, processed meats, or fried foods
- Certain environmental triggers such as flashing lights, odors, loud noises, or weather changes
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Migraines are more common in males. However, it is more common in females after puberty. The average age of onset is 7 years old (boys) and 10 years old (girls).
Factors that increase your child’s chance of migraines may include:
- Family history of migraines
- Infantile colic
Symptoms
Symptoms
Migraines occur in phases that may include:
Warning
A warning may come before a migraine. In the hours or days before the headache, symptoms may include:
- A change in mood
- A change in behavior
- A change in the level of activity
- Fatigue
- Yawning
- Food craving or decreased appetite
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Sensitivity to light
Aura
The most common aura is visual. The aura lasts about 15-30 minutes. It may produce the following sensations:
- Flashing lights, spots, or zig zag lines
- Temporary partial loss of vision
- Speech difficulties
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the face and hands
The Migraine Headache
Migraine pain starts within an hour of the aura ending. Symptoms include:
-
A headache (usually on one side but may involve both sides) that often feels:
- Moderate or severe in intensity
- Throbbing or pulsating
- More severe with movement
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Lightheadedness
A Post-Headache Period
Migraines usually last from 4-72 hours. They often go away with sleep. After the headache, your child may experience:
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Sore muscles
- Irritability
- Mood changes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your child may also be given a neurological exam. The diagnosis is often based on your child’s symptoms. To rule out other complications, your doctor may order imaging tests such as:
The doctor may order blood tests or other tests before starting treatment.
Treatment
Treatment
Migraine therapy aims to:
- Prevent headaches
- Reduce headache severity and frequency
- Restore your child’s ability to function
- Improve your child’s quality of life
Treatment options include:
Medications
Medications often used as first line agents in children with headaches include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Acetaminophen
Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving your child aspirin.
Your child’s doctor may also recommend migraine medication.
Therapy
Therapy may also be used to reduce the length and frequency of migraine headaches. It may be used with or without medication and may include cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, or relaxation methods.
Other Treatment During the Migraine
To help your child during a migraine:
- Apply cold compresses to painful areas of your child’s head.
- Have your child lie in a dark, quiet room.
- Try applying constant gentle pressure to your child’s temples.
- Try to help your child fall asleep.
Preventing Migraines
Keep a diary to understand what factors may trigger your child’s migraines.
Some steps that may help prevent future migraines includes:
- Have you or your child keep a diary. It will help identify what triggers migraines and what helps relieve them.
- Maintain regular sleep patterns, even during the weekend or on vacation.
- Learn stress management and relaxations techniques.
- Do not skip meals.
- Exercise regularly.
-
Foods are not proven to trigger migraine, but consider keeping track of what your child eats. Foods suspected by some to trigger migraine include:
- Nuts and peanut butter
- Beans—lima, navy, pinto, and others
- Aged or cured meats
- Aged cheese
- Processed or canned meat
- Caffeine—intake or withdrawal
- Canned soup
- Buttermilk or sour cream
- Meat tenderizer
- Brewer’s yeast
- Avocados
- Onions
- Pickles
- Red plums
- Sauerkraut
- Snow peas
- Soy sauce
- Anything with MSG (monosodium glutamate), tyramine, or nitrates
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent migraines in children since the cause is not known. If your child is prone to migraines, talk to their doctor about prophylactic medications.
RESOURCES:
The National Migraine Association http://www.migraines.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Headache_in_Children
Published October 25, 2007. Accessed September 15, 2015.
Migraine in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 23, 2015. Accessed September 15, 2015.
Migraines. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/migraines.html
Updated April 2014. Accessed September 15, 2015.
8/27/2010 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Robberstad L, Dyb G, Hagen K, Stovner LJ, Holmen TL, Zwart JA. An unfavorable lifestyle and recurrent headaches among adolescents: The HUNT Study. Neurology. 2010;75(8):712-717.
10/25/2010 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Bruijn J, Locher H, Passchier J, Dijkstra N, Arts WF. Psychopathology in children and adolescents with migraine in clinical studies: a systematic review. Pediatrics. 2010;126(2):323-332.
1/2/2014 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Powers SW, Kashikar-Zuck SM, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy plus amitriptyline for chronic migraine in children and adolescents: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013 Dec 25;310(24):2622-30.
1/2/2014 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Huquet A, McGrath PJ, et al. Efficacy of psychological treatment for headaches: an overview of systematic reviews and analysis of potential modifiers of treatment efficacy. Clin J Pain. 2013. Jul 2.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013