Migraines in Children

​​Migraines are severe headaches. Their severity varies from person to person. A migraine is typically accompanied with nausea and light sensitivity and can last for hours or days. There are different types of migraine​ headaches​ an individual may experience.

Causes of Migraines

Doctors still do not know exactly why individuals get migraines. They believe it is due to changes in the brain and an individual’s genes.
Additionally, women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines.

Symptoms of Migraines

While the symptoms of migraines vary, there are stages to the onset of migraine symptoms. Below are the stages and the symptoms. It is important to note that not everyone who gets migraines will experience all the stages.

Migraine Stages

• Prodrome Stage
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Increased thirst
  • Food cravings
  • Mood changes
• Aura Stage
  • Loss of vision with black dots or waves
  • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  • Prickling or tingling sensations
  • Difficulty speaking
• Attack Stage
  • Faint or clammy feeling
  • Dull ache or throbbing pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light
• Postdrome Stage
  • Fatigued feeling
  • Refreshed or elated feeling
  • Mild or dull headache

Migration Treatments

At this time, migraines are not able to be cured, but they can be managed. Learning to manage migraines can help an individual experience migraines and the symptoms less often. Some treatments that may be used are:

• Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and managing stress.
• Prescription medications to ease migraine severity.
• Laying down in a dark room.

When to See a Doctor

If an individual experiences constant migraines, they should see a doctor. It is also important to keep record of symptoms, when they happen and what treatments used. Having this information for your doctor will help determine the best plan of action to take.