MIGRAINE IN CHILDREN

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

https://www.facebook.com/bestneurologist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEADACHE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEADACHES

Headache is a common disorder. A large number of people suffer from headaches. Migraine and tension headaches are the commonest causes of headaches. They are not life-threatening, however, they cause significant disability, as pain impairs the quality of life. In some cases, headaches can be caused by serious causes, such as brain tumor, brain hemorrhage, brain fever, etc. 

The current interview focuses on the common causes of headache. How should we diagnose migraine? It can be diagnosed based on symptoms in most cases. When should one consult a doctor for headache? When should one do a brain scan? How do we treat headaches? To get answers to these and other questions, please watch this interview. The link of the youtube video with the interview is:

https://youtu.be/VgBvamY5kS0

Feel free to post your comments or ask any queries.


Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist,
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
04023607777
drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/bestneurologist/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EPILEPSY (HINDI)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a common neurological illness. It can be easily diagnosed and treated. People suffering from epilepsy can lead normal lives after treatment. Despite this, there are lot of misconceptions about this disease. There is a social stigma attached to epilepsy and epileptic patients. 

In this interview (in Hindi language), I have discussed the symptoms, diagnostic techniques and treatment options for people suffering from epilepsy. The link to youtube video is given below:


https://youtu.be/BzAzkOxecJs


Please go through this video interview to learn more about epilepsy. Feel free to post your comments and queries.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
04023607777
drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/bestneurologist/

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT STROKE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT STROKE

1. STROKE is a disease that affects:

A. Heart
B. Brain
C. Kidney
D. Lungs

2. Common symptoms of stroke include:

A. severe chest pain
B. Fits or convulsions
C. Paralysis of face, arms, legs, slurred speech
D. Breathing difficulty

3. If someone suffers from stroke at 9 PM,

A. He can go to OPD the next day
B. He should rush to the nearest general physician
C. He should rush to a hospital with 24X7 CT scan and neurologist on call
D. He can try home remedies for the night.

4. Is there a treatment available for patients with stroke, which would minimise disability

A. Yes
B. No

5. Common risk factors for stroke include all the following EXCEPT

A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Hypertension
C. Running on treadmill
D. Smoking

6. Which of the following measures is NOT helpful in preventing a recurrence of stroke in a person who has suffered stroke?

A. Taking Aspirin
B. Controlling BP and sugars,
C. Quitting smoking,
D. Skipping breakfast, if overweight

7. Physiotherapy helps in better and faster recovery of stroke survivors.
A. True
B. False

8. Stroke affects only older people
A. True
B. False

9. Proportion of population that may suffer a stroke in their lifetime

A. 1 in 10
B. 1 in 8
C. 1 in 6
D. 1 in 4

10. Stroke is treated by
A. Neurologist
B. Cardiologist
C. Nephrologist
D. Chest physician

Please go through these questions and answer them. Answers are posted below

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Thank you for going through the questions. Here are the answers:

1. B
Stroke affects brain. It most commonly occurs due to blockage of blood supply to a part of the brain. In some cases, it can also occur due to rupture of a blood vessel.

2. C 
Common symptoms of stroke include sudden onset facial weakness, weakness of arm or leg, slurred speech, loss of vision on one side, imbalance while walking or severe headache.

3. C
Stroke is a medical emergency. The brain tissue can suffer irreversible damage, if not treated within the first four hours. Therefore, the patient should be rushed to a hospital with 24X7 CT scan facility. The treatment is administration of clot-buster therapy under the guidance of a neurologist.

4. A
Clot-buster therapy with tissue plasminogen activator or tenecteplase within the first four and a half hours after stroke onset can minimise disability.

5. C
Running on treadmill is a healthy exercise and protects from stroke.

6. C
Skipping breakfast is an unhealthy habit. Moreover, it does not help in reducing weight.

7. A
Physiotherapy is very helpful in faster recovery of stroke survivors. It should be started as early as possible.

8. B

Stroke predominantly affects older people, however, it can affect all ages, including children.

9. C

Stroke is a common cause of death and disability (along with heart attacks and cancer) in the world, and affects i in 6 people in their lifetime.

10. A
Stroke is a disease of brain and is treated by neurologist.

I hope you enjoyed this mini-quiz. I would love to hear your comments or any further queries.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
04023607777/60601066

https://www.facebook.com/bestneurologist/