Children get migraine, too

Millions are affected by the misery of migraine, but what can you do if your child is one of them?

“My head hurts and I keep being sick.”
“I can see patterns that aren’t really there.”
“Sometimes the light hurts my eyes.”
“I get pins and needles; sometimes I can’t feel my legs.”
“Sometimes I get a pain in my stomach that lasts for hours.”

MIgraine is a complex neurological condition that can affect people of all ages. Over 400,000 of the six million migraine sufferers in the UK are children aged 8-11. If your child complains about A headache, it is important to consult your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Migraine can appear differently in children from in adults. Symptoms include:

• Distinct episodes of recurrent headache lasting two-48 hours
• The headache does not come and go during the attack
• The headache affects the ability to continue with normal daily activities
• The headache is towards the front of the head, on one side, or behind the eyes
• The headache gets worse with movement
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound and/or strong smells
• A dislike of food, nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal pain – this may occur without a headache
• Flushing, dizziness, pallor or co-ordination difficulties
• There is a family history of migraine
• Visual disturbances, such as blind spots, zig-zag patterns, for example Pins and needles, numbness, or pains in the arms or legs
• The child is symptom-free between attacks

Trigger factors vary from person to person but some common ones are:

DEHYDRATION

Drink plenty of fluids, including at least one litre of water daily.

LONG GAPS BETWEEN FOOD

Eating regularly is important. As a general rule, children should not go longer than three – four hours during the day or 13 hours overnight without food. Breakfast is essential.

PARTICULAR FOODS

Children may be intolerant to wheat, aspartame (found in many soft drinks, sweets and desserts) and monosodium glutamate (found in many manufactured or processed foods).

STRESS

Children can have worries, such as pressures at school or problems at home with parents or siblings.

SLEEP PATTERNS

Late nights or long lie-ins can also trigger attacks.

EXCITEMENT

This can be looking forward to a special event or over-stimulation from films, books, television, computers or video games.

EXERCISE

Ensure your child’s diet caters for the extra energy required as physical activities deplete blood sugar levels more quickly.

STUFFY ATMOSPHERE

Ensure that rooms are well ventilated. Children should have the opportunity to be outdoors every day.

LIGHT

Bright, flashing or flickering lights can trigger attacks, including natural sunlight, reflected glare and patterns of light and shade.

 

What to do if you think your child suffers from migraine Take your child to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Don’t be tempted to give your child your own medication; always use medication which is suitable for the age of the child. Explain about migraine to your child. This can often ease any worries or concerns your child may be having. Keep a diary of the frequency and symptoms of attacks and any suspected trigger factors. Eliminate suspected trigger factors one at a time for at least one month. If there is no difference, reintroduce it and try eliminating another. Let your child’s school know about the diagnosis and agree arrangements for dealing with attacks that occur in school hours. Adults who supervise your child at other times (Scout or Brownie leaders, child minders, and so on) should also be informed. Advise your doctor if the symptoms change. Contact the Migraine Action Association for information about migraine and its treatment. It does help to talk to someone who understands.

DENTAL/EYE PROBLEMS

These can also be triggers so it is advisable to eliminate them by visits to the dentist or optician.

Treating migraine in children

Many children require no medication to treat their migraine and often recover well with a short sleep in a dark, quiet place. If painkillers are required, they should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the pack; if you have any questions about the medication, either ask the pharmacist or speak to your doctor. Children’s painkillers such as Calpol or Junifen can be considered, but aspirin should not be given to any children under the age of 16. The medication should be taken as early in the attack as possible.

If painkillers purchased at a pharmacy are not helping, your doctor can prescribe other types of medication. Some migraine-specific treatments are not licensed for use in children under 18, but they can be prescribed off licence at the discretion of the doctor. If attacks are occurring frequently (more than four-six times a month), your doctor may prescribe a preventative treatment to take every day. These can be effective if taken at a regular time every day, usually for a period of several weeks or months.

Attacks can be significantly reduced by identifying, and then avoiding, trigger factors. It may be helpful for the whole family to review their lifestyle and the potential impact this may be having on the child.

If your child’s migraine is particularly frequent or severe and/or proves resistant to the treatments your doctor suggests, you may wish to ask for a referral to one of the specialist migraine clinics.

The premier resource for parents, children, teachers and carers, the Migraine Action Association bridges the gap between the medical world and the sufferer.

6 Oakley Hay Lodge Business Park
Great Folds Road
Great Oakley
Northants NN18 9AS
Tel: 01536 461333
Website: www.migraine4kids.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 207783

 

 

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