Know all about migraine in children – its causes and symptoms!

Headaches are common and many people have them at different times. Some have them frequently and some have them occasionally. But, what most people misunderstand is that only adults can have them. However, the fact is that even children can suffer from headaches and sometimes, they are as serious and severe as migraine. Migraine in children is not uncommon. Research studies have proven that many migraine sufferers have had their first attack before the age of 7.

Why do children get migraine attacks?

Parents often rule out the possibility of their children suffering from migraine, thinking that it can affect only adults. However, just like sinus, cold, infection or fever type headaches, migraine too is a possible cause of a headache in them. But, what exactly causes this or why children get these attacks is not clear to the scientists and doctors.

• Family history:

One factor that has been largely identified by them is family history. Most of the children, who have migraines, have parents or other people in their family, who have had migraine either in their childhood or are still patients of this serious pain.

• Brain chemical disorder:

Chemical disorder on the surface of the brain is also a factor that is much attributed to be the cause behind migraine in children. Scientists believed for long that the dilation and constriction of blood vessels of the brain have a direct impact on this condition. But, research studies have proven that sufferers of migraine are born with certain brain abnormalities that they inherit from their family.

When does a child get migraine attacks?

Migraine in children is a condition that cannot be predetermined when it will occur. But, when it does, it can stay for about 30 minutes to 48 hours. However, there are a few conditions in which a child may be more likely to get these attacks. These external factors are called triggers. The common triggers are –

• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Weather changes like strong winds, barometric pressure
• Exposure to the sun
• Physical activity
• Change in routine
• Food and beverages like aged cheese, alcohol, processed meats and foods, MSG or caffeinated products

However, it is not necessary that a person has to experience all or any of these as triggers for migraine in children. In case of any such hint, it is best that you consider a specialist who deals with this problem. To ensure that you find specialists nearby, you can check out http://www.mewithoutmigraine.com/locate-a-doctor/

How to understand if it is migraine?

Migraines can be seriously debilitating for a child. Even adults cannot cope with the excruciating pain at times. Hence, to make sure that the best treatment is provided to them, one needs to identify the type of a headache as migraine. The symptoms of migraine in children are –

• Extreme pain
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach upset or even diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Migraine in children can occur as frequently as many times in a month or as infrequent as once or twice a year. Hence, when it does, it is a must that you notice the triggers that have led to the condition. This will help the doctor to identify the causes and also offer the best treatment.