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Migraine In Children
Studies show 11 percent of children suffer from migraine, which could be due to changing psychosocial factors, the way family is structured and lifestyle. Found most common in boys before puberty, becoming more prominent in girls after puberty. Migraine can cause disability in children preventing them from attending school affecting their performance in school. Relationships with family and friends get affected to a great extent and migraines can be indicative of other problems in the child’s life such as sleep deprivation, poor diet, stress, depression or other sickness.
We will look into the medical treatment of migraine headaches in children which is based on the following: (1) children and parents should be ducated about migraine triggers, (2) a plan created for the immediate treatment of such attacks, and (3) preventive medicines or steps taken for children with frequency of migraines.
Since these headaches are severe, throbbing pain, they can be quite frightening for a child. Kids with infrequent attacks should be educated, along with their parents, that the cause of the headache is not a brain tumor or other serious condition. The best treatment for such mild headaches is plenty of rest, regular sleep patterns, strict schedules for meals, and most importantly, not to burden the child with too many responsibilities. It helps to some extent for the child to recognize headache triggers, however it is often difficult. However, getting rid of triggers can reduce the frequency of the occurrence of headaches. Noting down triggering factors 12 hours before an attack can help keep a check on the cause of such headaches, but cannot comepletely stop them.
Treatment
Sleep being the best antimigraine treatment, parents should make sure the child lies down in a cool, dark, quiet room to bring some relaxation to the acute pain. Icepacks or putting pressure on the affected artery can help in reducing the pain for some time. Some common over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen and acetaminophen which can be effective if taken at an early onset of the headache. Migraines temporarily slows down digestion which in turn delays the absorption of any oral medications. Quite often carbonated drinks help in absorption. Since children show a higher response rate over time than adults, other non-medicative treatments are relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis and biofeedback.
Prevention
Migraine reduction is seen in more than half the patients, some preventions are listed below:
Diet and Activity– Even though kids can be educated to recognize dietary triggers they can be diffcult for kids to understand. Caffeine drinks such sodas, coffee, tea, or cocoa, should be limited, and chocolates should be avoided as these may trigger a migraine headache. Preserved meats such as smoked fish, salmon, sausage, hot dogs, etc. contain nitrates and nitrites, which can cause headaches. Consumption of Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer should be reduced. A well rounded diet must be planned for the child, including fruits and vegetables, a diet without these can harm a child’s growth and development. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle by reducing pressure, stress, and anxiety for the child, the frequency of such headaches can be reduced.
Conclusion
In spite of the above treatments, if migraine headaches do not seem to reduce in children, they should see a pediatric neurologist. Since most medications have side effects their intake should be limited, as medications may lessen the occurrence of migraines but they cannot get rid of the underlying causes of it.