How to tackle problems of migraine in children a quick check

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How to tackle problems of migraine in children- a quick check For adults tolerating any type of headache is no less painful. Amongst all these, migraine headache is one, suffering from which is really next to dangerous. It is quite saddening that migraines are not merely headaches that are suffered by adults. Children too suffer from these kinds of headaches. Mostly in girls rather than boys, this occurs at quite a high rate in children also, that too before attending adolescence by children. These days migraine in children have become quite a common affair with almost 5-10% children actually suffering from this disease. It tends to attack boys before they have even reached an age of 7 years while for girls, age limit happens to be something around 11 years. With growth, this neurological disease is more prevalent in girls than in boys. Studies and evidences have shown development of migraines in infants of 18 months, while around 20% children having their first attack before attaining 12 years. How is migraine attacks in children different from adults? 

Generally migraine pains are unilateral. For children though whole head can be affected by pain rather than just one side.

The range of attacks are shorter compared to general attacks. Also conditions may improve between two successive attacks.

At times there might be just an abdominal pain in children rather than head pain. This difference is extremely crucial to understand.

There can be no warning at times. This headache might be just sudden and timing of the pain can be even less than 15 minutes. But this pain will be severe.

Once the pain subsides, the child may feel extremely sick and can suffer from severe bouts of nausea. This care is more important than even before.

Car sickness is also another form of attack of migraine in children, which is not evidently found in adults.


Image Source How to diagnose migraine attacks in children: Diagnosis of migraine attacks in children is more difficult in children as there is no defined test to diagnose migraine. Normally a Doctor takes a detailed history that shall include  The frequency, severity and symptoms  family history if any  Does the attack affect the child’s daily activities The Doctor may even advise neurological assessment.

Recognising migraine in children: Migraine may often go undiagnosed in children as children may not be able to explain exactly what is happening with them. Before migraine sets in the child may be irritable, yawning. He may feel lethargic and there may be mood swings. These attacks of migraine in children can cause problems to their overall health. Due to these attacks, related disabilities may occur, adolescents may develop anticipatory attacks, disruptions in health, lethargy, mood swings, irritability and withdrawal from normal activities of life.


Care for children: When children are affected by these attacks, special care needs to be taken for them. They should: 

Have proper diet consisting of minerals and proteins. All of those which are necessary for growth.

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Have a proper and prolonged sleep routine.

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Daily exercising is a must for averting problems.

Thus, to avoid and lessen this migraine in children it is very essential to be careful about these aspects.


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