Migraine is already a terrible thing for adults, so imagine for a child? Yes, children do get migraines, but how do you diagnose childhood migraines, and how can you tell if a child is suffering from headaches? Childhood migraine is a severe headache caused by the dilation of blood vessels on one side of the head. The head is full of vein endings that supply the brain, and when one of them dilates, it’s a sure sign of migraine.

Headaches are usually not a frequent symptom in children, but they do happen. It might be a pain all over the head, whereas childhood migraine hurts only on one side and throbs like a strong heartbeat inside the head and a hammer pounding. These pains can happen suddenly or even have a warning, like blurred vision and other symptoms such as nausea, and even weakness in the body. But with childhood migraine, we don’t always connect these symptoms to it. The problem with these headaches in children is that often they cannot describe exactly what they’re feeling, which makes the diagnosis much more complicated. Parents must pay close attention to children’s complaints, and any complaints of headaches should be taken very seriously.

The occurrence of migraines is higher in girls than in boys, with a percentage of 60 to 40%, and girls also tend to have much more significant symptoms of childhood migraine than boys. Usually, they begin after the age of 5 and can last for years if not treated.

What Factors Can Cause Childhood Migraine?

Childhood migraine can appear for various reasons, especially related to diet, allergies, or even anxiety. Diet with excess sweeteners, sugars, caffeine, excessive sun exposure, and also emotional problems can trigger childhood migraine. Parents who suffer from migraine are more likely to have children with migraine, since it is also hereditary. In addition, certain items can contribute to migraine attacks in children:

  • Dehydration
  • Very loud environments
  • Vision problems
  • Hormonal changes (puberty)

To prevent attacks, these foods should be avoided, and if a migraine episode still happens, taking the child to a dark and quiet place can help ease the attack. It is important to consult a doctor to find out which medications a child can take during migraine attacks. Palliative measures also help during episodes, so it is recommended to:

  • Stay in a dark and quiet place
  • Apply a cold compress
  • Try to sleep

Foods like cheese, chocolate, coffee, and excess fat can also cause childhood or adult migraine. That’s why treatment also involves eliminating these items from the diet during episodes. The truth is that childhood migraine is a villain that needs to be identified early—the best diagnosis happens within the first 30 minutes of the episode, so if medication is needed, it can be given before the pain reaches its peak. Children who complain of headaches frequently should undergo evaluation—visit a trusted pediatrician or neurologist.

See also: Childhood Diabetes – How to Identify and Manage It?

Photo: _Daise