Migraine is often considered an adult problem, but children can have migraine soften as early as the age of 5. Pediatric migraine is a real illness that can be just as severely disabling as in adults, and can affect school performance, activities of daily living, and emotional functioning.

 

Let's learn about the types of migraines in children, what are the symptoms, what causes migraines in children and how they can be treated successfully.

 

Types of Migraines in Children:

 

Children typically do not have the classic pattern of migraines found in adults. This is how they typically appear:

 

1. Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine)

 

- The most common type of migraine in children.

- These are typically early attacks and are characterized by either intense throbbing pain (usually bilateral) or pain focused at the front. These may be accompanied by nausea and/or light sensitivity (photophobia).

 

2. Migraine with Aura

 

- Auras are signs that occur before the headache, like visual disturbances (zig-zag lines, flashes), numbness, or difficulty talking.

 

3. Abdominal Migraine

 

- More common in younger children.

- Abdominal migraine has very intense stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and often abdominal migraines occur without ever a headache.

- Often see a strong family pedigree (history of migraine).

 

4. Basilar Migraine

 

- Rare in children, but considered a serious migraine.

- Patients with basilar migraine commonly describe dizziness, double vision, or loss of balance prior to attacks.

 

5. Status Migrainosus

 

- Refers to a severe migraine attack lasting greater than 72 hours.

- With this, patients will often present ill and require prompt medical care.

 

Symptoms of Pediatric Migraines

 

Migraine symptoms in children can be different from those in adults. Watch out for:

 

- Pulsating or pounding headache

- Pain on both sides of the head (as opposed to one side in adults)

- Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell

- Nausea or vomiting

- Dizziness or abdominal pain

- Feeling tired or pale

- Sudden mood changes or irritability

 

Children may find it hard to express what they're feeling, so these symptoms might appear as restlessness, crying, or withdrawal from activities.

 

Common Triggers and Causes:

 

While we do not know the exact cause of migraines, it is thought that they include a number of genetic, neurological and environmental influences. Children can commonly experience triggers that provoke migraines, including the following:

 

•  Lack of sleep or disturbed sleep

•  Stress or anxiety (e.g., exams, peer pressure)

•  Skipping meals or dehydration

•  Certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, processed meats or foods with MSG

•  Certain hormonal changes (especially in teenage girls)

•  Bright lights, loud noises or strong smells

•  Weather changes or prolonged (screen time)

 

If a child has migraines in the family, the odds of that child developing migraines increase substantially.

 

Diagnosis and When to Seek Care from a Neurologist:

 

If headaches are frequent, or appear with unusual symptoms like vomiting, changes in vision or severe fatigue, then it is time to see a specialist.

 

Sankhya Hospitals employs some of the best neurologists in Kukatpally and Hyderabad, who have training in pediatric neurology. They will take you through a full assessment like history taking, physical exam and sometimes, brain imaging or EEG for example, to rule out other reasons.

 

Management Alternatives

 

A child with migraines generally undergoes multiple treatments that collectively include medication, lifestyle changes, and avoidance of triggers:

 

1. Medication

 

•  Acute pain treatment - Paracetamol or ibuprofen (or both) can help reduce the severity of the migraine, if taken early.

•  Preventive medication - The neurologist may provide preventive medications for children who have frequent or severe attacks.

 

2. Lifestyle Changes

 

•  Regular sleep routine and meal times

•  Hydration

•  Limiting screen time

•  Physical Care (with caution and guidance)

•  Stress management with help (relaxation techniques or counseling)

 

3. Avoidance of Triggers

 

Completing a "migraine diary" will assist you in looking for patterns or specific triggers that are unique to your child.

 

Care at Sankhya Hospitals

 

Sankhya Hospitals is known for some of the best neurology doctors in Kukatpally, providing expert care specifically for children. Our pediatric neurologists understand the intricacies of dealing with complex migraine patterns, providing your child with safe, kind, and competent care.

 

If you are seeking out the best neurology in Hyderabad or a trusted neurologist in Kukatpally, we can support your child's healthier, headache-free future.

 

Migraines in children can be exhausting, but often they can be managed well with early intervention, a timely diagnosis, and a treatment team. Headaches that return should never be overlooked involving experts is better than not involving experts in managing them at all.

Need help? At Sankhya Hospitals, you'll find the best neurologists in Kukatpally, let your child's journey to healing begin.