Have you ever thought that a small child can also get migraines? Most of the time, we think of this as a disease that only affects adults. But in fact, small children, and sometimes even breastfed babies, can get migraines. However, the way they feel it and the way adults feel it may be a little different. So let's find out more about this.
So, what is migraine in these children?
Simply put, migraines in children are the same as those in adults. However, there are some differences in the way they affect children. For example, when an adult has a migraine, it usually only affects one side of the head. However, migraines in children can often affect both sides of the head. Another reason is that children may have fewer migraine attacks than adults. However, this does not mean that it is easier for children. Migraines in childhood can also be very debilitating. They cannot go to school, play, or participate in other activities. Therefore, it is very important to take care of this.
What exactly is a migraine?
A migraine is not just a severe headache. It is a neurological disease. It can cause a variety of symptoms. For example:
- A sharp pain as if the head is being hit from the inside.
- Vomiting and nausea .
- Feeling dizzy .
- Vision problems . Like seeing dots in front of the eyes, seeing lights.
- Sensitivity to bright lights, noise, and strong smells. These can be overwhelming for the child.
Most migraines start with a mild ache that gradually gets worse. They usually last from 30 minutes to a few hours. However, some migraines can last for days. In particular, migraines are recurrent. This means that they can come back after a while.
How common is this migraine among children?
You might be surprised to learn that migraines can affect children of any age, even infants . It has been found that about 2.5% of children under the age of 7 suffer from migraines. By the age of 10, about 5% of children have experienced migraines. The condition increases throughout childhood. About 10% of children between the ages of 5 and 15 develop migraines, and about 28% of young children have experienced this condition.
During childhood, that is, before puberty, both boys and girls are affected by migraines equally. However, during adolescence, this condition can be seen to affect girls more .
What are the main types of migraines in children?
There are two main types of migraines that affect infants and young children:
- Migraine without aura: Previously called "common migraine," this type affects between 60% and 85% of children and young adults who develop migraines.
- Migraine with aura: This was previously called "classic migraine." It affects between 15% and 30% of children and young adults who get migraines.
So, what is this "Aura"?
An "aura" is a warning sign or symptom that appears when a migraine is about to begin. It's like the sky darkening before a storm. This aura usually occurs about 30 minutes before the migraine begins. The most common aura symptoms are those that involve vision:
- Blurred or distorted vision .
- Blind spots appear before the eyes.
- Seeing bright colors, flashing lights, or streaks moving before your eyes.
Apart from this, changes in speech, movement, hearing, smell, taste, or even touch can also be symptoms of an aura.
What are the Stages of a Migraine?
There are four main stages of a migraine. Let's take a simple look at them:
1. Prodrome phase: This is the first, or warning, phase of a migraine. It can last from a few hours to a few days. During this time, the child may experience symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and neck stiffness . About 67% of children with migraines experience this prodrome phase.
2. Aura phase: This is the stage where your child will experience the aforementioned vision problems, such as seeing spots and lights. They may also experience dizziness, numbness, and confusion . This phase can last from as little as five minutes to as long as an hour. Some children may not experience this aura phase at all. Others may experience both the aura and the migraine headache at the same time.
3. Headache phase: This is the main pain phase of a migraine. During this phase, the child may experience a throbbing or pulsing pain in the head . Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light may also occur. Children usually have this pain for a shorter period of time than adults.
4. Postdrome Phase: Some people call this the "migraine hangover." Some children may feel very tired and lethargic during this phase. Surprisingly, some children may also feel very happy and relaxed . This phase can last for a day or two after the migraine.
What are the symptoms of migraine in children?
The main and most common symptom of migraine in children is a throbbing pain in the head. In young children, this pain is usually felt in the front of the head or on both sides. However, sometimes the whole head can hurt or only one part of the head can hurt.
In older children, the pain usually affects both sides of the head. However, in older adolescents, the pain may be limited to one side of the head , similar to that of adults.
In addition to this main pain, other symptoms of migraine in children may include:
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Dizziness.
- It's hard to concentrate.
- Sensitivity to sound.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Loss of appetite.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
Imagine, when your child is happy at school, they suddenly complain about a headache, can't look at the light, or feel like vomiting... How helpless would you feel as a parent at a time like this? That's why it's so important to be aware of these signs.
What causes migraines in children?
In the past, researchers thought that migraines were caused by changes in blood flow in the blood vessels in the brain. But now many believe that while this may contribute to the pain, it is not what starts the migraine. Today, scientists believe that migraines are a brain malfunction . This is a condition that mainly affects the brain and nerves, but also the blood vessels. This "mistake" is caused by the release of certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters such as serotonin . This is what causes the swelling and pain that occurs during a migraine.
Another important fact is that migraines are genetic. This means that they can run in families. Between 60% and 70% of people with migraines have a family member (either a parent or sibling) who has migraines or has had them in the past.
Many children develop migraines randomly. This means it is difficult to find a specific cause. However, some children may have a clear cause (trigger) for migraines.
So, what are these migraine triggers?
Triggers for migraines can vary from person to person, but there are a few common triggers that most commonly affect children and young adults:
Stress
Stress is a major cause of migraines. Especially stress related to schoolwork (classwork, problems with friends, maybe bullying from other children) and family problems. If you carefully examine what causes this stress, it will help to stay away from those things as much as possible. Sometimes the child may even need the help of a counselor to find the cause of this stress. These things can help to control stress:
- Exercising regularly.
- Getting enough rest and maintaining a good diet.
- Engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies.
Diet
Certain foods or ingredients added to foods can aggravate migraines. Examples:
- Aged cheeses.
- Pizza.
- Lunch meats.
- Sausages, hot dogs (these contain nitrates ).
- Foods and drinks containing caffeine: chocolate, tea, coffee, cola.
- Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) : For example, some types of tipitip, noodles.
If you remember what your child ate and drank before the migraine, you can stay away from those foods. It's also a good idea to check the labels on food packages to see if they contain nitrates or MSG.
Medications
Some medications can also occasionally worsen migraines. Examples:
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
- Some treatments for asthma.
- Some stimulants, as well as many medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), belong to this category.
If you think the migraine is caused by the medication your child is taking, ask your doctor if there are any other options.
Other Triggers
Apart from this, many other things can cause migraines:
- Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep reduces your ability to cope with stress. A child should get at least eight hours of sleep a day.
- Menstruation: Normal hormonal changes caused by a child's menstrual cycle can trigger migraines.
- Changes in your usual eating habits: Skipping meals can trigger migraines. It's important to eat three main meals a day, especially breakfast.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is an addictive substance. Consuming too much caffeine or stopping it suddenly can cause headaches.
- Changes in weather: During storms, changes in air pressure can trigger migraines in some people.
- Travel: Motion sickness while traveling in a car or boat can trigger migraines.
- Changes in daily routine: Changes in daily routine, such as sleep deprivation, traveling, and illness, can affect migraines.
How to diagnose migraines in children? (Diagnosis)
Gathering information about your child's migraines is key to making a diagnosis. The doctor will need to keep a record of your child's migraine history.
This note should include a description of your child's current and past headaches. Specifically, how your child feels before, during, and after a migraine. Include information about how often the migraines occur, how long they have lasted, and whether there are any other symptoms. Write down the names of any medications your child has taken in the past, the medications they are currently taking, and the medications that have worked best.
After taking your child's medical history, the doctor will perform a physical exam and a neurological examination . Based on all of this information, the doctor can usually determine the type and cause of your child's migraines. Sometimes, they may order additional tests, such as blood tests, a CT scan, or an MRI scan .
How to treat migraines in children? (Treatment)
When treating childhood migraines, there are usually several aspects to consider. One of the most important factors in treatment is whether the child is living an overall healthy lifestyle. The doctor will educate you and your child about daily habits that can help your child manage their migraines. These habits may include:
- Getting enough sleep every night.
- Not skipping meals .
- Getting good exercise .
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Controlling stress .
Also, you should identify your child's migraine triggers and avoid them as much as possible. Keeping a headache diary is a good way to identify your child's triggers.
The doctor may also recommend finding an effective medication for your child to give when a migraine occurs. These medications should relieve the pain within an hour, allowing your child to continue with their daily activities. The first line of treatment is over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. For example , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , such as ibuprofen and naproxen . For severe migraines, the doctor may prescribe medications called triptans (such as sumatriptan ).
If your child has migraines more than once a week, the doctor may recommend preventive medications or supplements to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Medications like amitriptyline and supplements like magnesium may need to be taken daily for several months.
What is the prognosis for children with migraines?
Treatment provides relief for many children and young people with migraines. About 50% of children and young people report that their migraines have improved within six months of starting treatment. However, about 60% of young people who experience migraines for the first time in their youth may have migraines for years.
Can migraines in children be prevented?
Preventing childhood migraines starts with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your child gets enough sleep and manages stress. Also, make sure your child eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly.
In addition to a healthy lifestyle, the best way to prevent migraines is to stay away from known triggers. Keeping a headache diary can help you identify what these triggers are, so your child can try to avoid them in the future.
What can I do if my child has a migraine?
If your child gets a migraine, you can do these things to help them until it goes away:
- Encourage the child to rest in a dark, quiet room . Place a cloth soaked in cold water on the forehead.
- If possible, tell the child to get some sleep .
- If the doctor has advised it, give your child over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication.
When should my child see a doctor?
If your child is showing symptoms of a migraine, you should make an appointment to see your child's doctor. In particular, if your child's headache starts after a head injury, or if they wake up with a headache while sleeping, or if they have a severe, sudden headache, or if they have other symptoms along with the headache, you should take them to a doctor right away:
- Vomiting.
- Neck pain or stiffness.
- Vision problems.
- Difficulty concentrating (Confusion).
- Loss of balance.
- Having a fever of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.
These may be a sign of a more serious type of headache .
There is nothing more painful for a parent than seeing your child suffer from pain. If your child has migraines, take them to a doctor. The sooner you diagnose the condition, the sooner you can start appropriate treatment. Also, learn as much as you can about migraines and the factors that contribute to your child's migraines. The more you know, the better you can help your child manage the condition.
Take-Home Message
So, from what we've talked about, you can see that migraines in children are not a simple matter. But don't panic. The most important thing is to see a doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms. Then you can find out exactly what the problem is and start the most appropriate treatment for your child. Paying attention to your child's diet, sleep, and exercise, helping them reduce stress, and identifying and avoiding triggers that increase migraines can provide great relief to your child. Remember, you are not alone, and doctors are there to help you and your child.
` Migraine, Pediatric Migraine, Headache, Headache, Children's Health, Migraine, Aura
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