Posted on July 18, 2009 in latest news
It is estimated that about 5% of children in grade school have migraine. The percentage goes up to 20% in high school adolescents. More boys get migraine than girls.
A migraine is a pounding headache that occurs from time to time. It is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of nausea.
Symptoms of migraines in children
- A severe headache is the foremost symptom of migraine. The headache is of the throbbing type. Usually, the headache affects only one side of the head, near the temple or behind one of the eyes.
- Migraine in children is sometimes accompanied by nausea. Vomiting may also result out of it.
- Migraines in children may also be preceded by aura. Aura is disturbance in the vision of a child experiencing migraine. It includes phenomenon such as floating lines in the field of vision, black outs, blind spots, flashes of light, shimmering stars etc.
- Children become sensitive to light and sound when they are experiencing migraine. They want dark and quiet.
- Children become pale and get dark circles under their eyes when they get migraine frequently.
Causes of migraines in children
Nobody really knows what causes migraine. Scientists believe it is caused by abnormality in a body chemical called serotonin.
There are some factors which usually trigger a migraine. It is important to identify these factors and avoid them.
Some of these factors are:
- Changes in weather
- Stress
- Strong odor, bright lights or loud noises
- Foods like caffeine, chocolate, cheese, nuts, sugar, shellfish etc.
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Missing meals
- Dehydration
- Intense physical activity
- Exposure to cold
There are many more factors which affect individuals. A factor which affects one child may not affect another.
Treatment and prevention of migraine in children
Migraines usually go away by themselves through rest and sleep. Children usually prefer to sleep in a dark room.
The doctor may prescribe medication which balances the level of serotonin in the body. If the doctor has given your child medication for migraine, give it just as the headache is starting. Do not wait.
The best way to prevent migraines in children is to identify the factors responsible for the migraine and avoid them.
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