What is Migraine in children?

Migraine in children

What is a migraine?

Migraines are very bad headaches. You might also feel nauseated, see flashing lights and not be able to do anything. In fact, having a migraine might mean you don't want to do anything except lie down in your room.

But even though migraines can be distressing, they're not dangerous. They don't mean you or your child have a more serious problem. And you can get back to normal afterward.

We don't know why some children and young people get migraines. But there are some things that seem to bring a migraine on. Here are some of them.

Source:
Amery WK, Vandenbergh V.
What can precipitating factors teach us about the pathogenesis of migraine?
Headache. 1987; 27: 146-150.

Source:
Blau JN, Thavapalan M.
Preventing migraine: a study of precipitating factors.
Headache. 1988; 28: 481-483.

Source:
British National Formulary.
Antimigraine drugs.
Section 4.7.4. British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Also available at http://bnf.org (accessed on 21 January 2009).

Feeling stressed: this could be because of an exam at school or problems with friends.
Exercise or sports: these seem to bring on a migraine in some children and teenagers, but not others.
Certain foods: some people find that eating a particular thing can trigger a migraine. Or missing a meal could bring on a migraine.
Menstrual periods: some girls find that their period can bring on a migraine, or that they get migraines at a certain time during their monthly cycle.
Birth control pills: some girls find that taking the pill can bring on migraines.

Remember, though, that the things that trigger a migraine are different for everyone. So if you like playing sports, don't stop just because it might bring on a migraine for someone else. Wait and see which things bring on a migraine for you. If you're a parent, encourage your child to keep on doing things he or she enjoys and not to stop because this activity triggers a migraine in someone else.

Sources for the information on this page:

Amery WK, Vandenbergh V.What can precipitating factors teach us about the pathogenesis of migraine?Headache. 1987; 27: 146-150.

Blau JN, Thavapalan M.Preventing migraine: a study of precipitating factors.Headache. 1988; 28: 481-483.

British National Formulary.Antimigraine drugs.Section 4.7.4. British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Also available at http://bnf.org (accessed on 21 January 2009).

This information was last updated on Mar 06, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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