Yes, Children and Teens Get Migraine: What Parents Need to Know

Migraine may seem like a grownup problem, but plenty of kids and teens experience them. In fact, migraine affects at least 10% of children and teens worldwide. That number is likely higher, given that the severe headaches often go undiagnosed.

The expert team at Child & Adolescent Health Center in Lathrup Village, Michigan, provides private pediatric care to ease and prevent severe migraine issues in kids of all ages.

If you suspect your child may be dealing with migraine, read on to learn more about this common condition.

Migraine basics

Migraine headaches are much more than a common headache. Unlike tension headaches, which cause pain for up to a few hours, migraine symptoms can linger for several days.

Beyond throbbing or pulsating pain, migraine can cause:

• Dizziness
• Extreme fatigue
• Low appetite
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Stomach pain
• Moodiness, including just before the headache sets in
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision changes, such as blurriness

Though the exact cause isn’t known, migraine seems to stem from atypical nerve signals in the brain that fuel inflammation and pain. 

Anyone can develop migraine, but chronic headaches tend to be genetic. So if one or both parents are migraine-prone, their children are more likely to be as well. 

The trickiness of migraine in kids

It may be easy to write your child’s migraine off as a milder issue, partly because kids and teens may have a difficult time articulating their symptoms. And if you don’t realize that migraine headaches are indeed a child and teen issue, you may not ask about or look for additional symptoms when you hear, “My head hurts.”

Without diagnosis or treatment, chronic childhood migraine may lead to excessive school absences, which can negatively impact a child’s learning, development, and socialization. About one in 10 kids miss at least two days of school per month due to migraine.

What to do about your child’s migraine

To confirm or rule out migraine in your child, your pediatrician will perform a comprehensive exam. Be prepared to discuss things like the frequency of your child’s symptoms, as well as their lifestyle habits. Other issues that may cause frequent headaches in kids include skipping meals, getting too little sleep, and chronic stress.

Once your child has been diagnosed with migraine, we’ll recommend a personalized treatment plan. Helpful treatments often include pinpointing and avoiding migraine triggers and over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.

Knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with migraine, and our team is eager to help your child lead a fuller, more comfortable life. To get started with quality migraine care, contact our office or text us at 248-609-1646.