Headaches are prevalent in children and teenagers. By 18 years old, most adolescents had had them. Before puberty, boys and girls equally have them. After puberty, migraines happen commonly in girls. And although most headaches are part of an illness, some may be migraines. So, what should parents do if they believe that their child or teen might be having migraines? Continue reading to learn more about migraines in children.
Clinical Symptoms
Migraines are often one-sided in adults, while migraines in children are more likely to be felt on both sides of the head, either on both sides of the forehead or both temples. While it’s not easy to distinguish a migraine from another headache type, children often report throbbing pain or might experience sensitivity to light and noise or nausea.
Causes of Migraines in Children
Although the causes of migraines in children are unknown, it appears that migraines happen due to sensitive nerves, especially if they are more reactive to stimulation. That stimulation could be fatigue, stress, hunger, and almost anything. Unfortunately, migraines run in families, so most migraine sufferers usually have someone in the family who receives migraines.
Preventing Migraines
The best way to prevent migraines in children is to identify and avoid triggers. In addition, the triggers vary per person, so it’s ideal to keep a headache diary for your child. When your child receives a headache, it would help to write down the following:
- What happened before it occurred
- The severity and location
- What helped
- And anything else you can think of
This healthy approach assists you and your doctor in viewing patterns that can help you understand your child’s specific triggers. So, ensuring your child gets enough sleep, eats healthfully and regularly, constantly drinks water, and manages stress is ideal. Doing this helps prevent migraines in children.
When to Contact a Professional
If you suspect that your child may be having migraines, you should call and make an appointment. Make sure to also bring the headache diary with you. Overall, you and your doctor can devise the best plan for your child. If your child suffers from migraines, he or she may qualify to participate in a clinical research study for pediatric and adolescent patients. Call Pharmasite Research at 410-602-1440 to learn more information about our clinical study.
Enroll Today with Pharmasite Research
If you or someone you know has pediatric and adolescent migraine, it can be a huge hindrance to daily life, but there is always hope and help available. Seek professional help from a therapist who may recommend effective treatment options for you or a loved one. Pharmasite Research in Pikesville, MD, is enrolling individuals with pediatric and adolescent migraine for a clinical study. Learn more to see if you qualify! Contact us at 410-602-1440 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
