MIGRAINE IN CHILDREN
What is migraine?
Migraine refers to a condition where the sufferer gets
repeated headaches.
What are the other
symptoms of migraine?
People may have nausea or vomiting associated with
headaches. They also do not like noise or light during the headache episodes. Some
children with migraine may not have headache and they may present with only
repeated abdominal pain.
Do children suffer
from migraine?
Yes, children do suffer from migraine. 10-25% of children
may suffer from migraines. Before puberty, migraine is more common in boys.
After puberty, it becomes more common in girls.
What is the earliest
age when migraine can affect children?
Migraine has been reported in children as early as 18 months
old. About half of the children with migraine have their first attack before
the age of 12 years.
What is the cause of
migraine in children?
In most cases, there is a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. Children with one parent with migraine has 50% chance of
getting it, whereas children whose both parents have migraine have 75% chance
of getting migraine. Most children with migraine have at least one close family
member suffering from it.
How does migraine
affect children’s quality of life?
Migraine in children can be as disabling as in adults.
Children with migraine miss school twice as often as compared to those without
migraine. They also suffer from anxiety, depression, and mood swings, and may
not be able to focus in studies. They may also not enjoy sports and other
recreational activities.
How is the diagnosis
of migraine confirmed in children?
In most cases, the patient’s history and clinical
examination are enough to make a diagnosis of migraine. However, in some cases,
a brain scan may be needed to exclude other causes.
How is migraine
treated in children?
Migraine can be effectively treated in children with
medications.
For acute severe headaches, helpful medicines include paracetamol,
ibuprofen and triptans (such as sumatriptan, zolmitriptan and rizatriptan).
To prevent headache episodes in future (migraine
prophylaxis), propranolol, Flunarizine, topiramate or valproic acid may be
used.
What measures can the children take to reduce the headache episodes?
1. Sleep adequately,
2. Eat food on time,
3. Avoid stress,
4. Certain triggers such as cakes, chocolates, Chinese food, too much TV/phone use, can be avoided/reduced.
DR SUDHIR KUMAR MD DM
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
04023607777
drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
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