Did you know that 5% to 50% of children between three and seven years old suffer headaches? The rate of headaches increases by up to 75% in children between the ages of seven and 15.
While most children experience only mild tension-type headaches, others may suffer from migraines, which can impact their quality of life.
What is a migraine?
A migraine occurs when the brain’s deep sensory and regulatory nerve networks become disrupted. The specifics of how migraines work are still unknown, but research in this area has made rapid progress, particularly in the last decade.
Many adults with lifelong migraine problems first experience them as children or teens.
Migraine headaches affect 15% to 18% of children, with a peak incidence between the ages of 11 and 13.
Because migraines are primarily inherited, it is not surprising that two-thirds of childhood migraine sufferers have a family history of disabling migraine.
What are the signs and symptoms of migraine headaches?
A migraine can result in the following:
- Headache that pulses or throbs
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdomen
- Extreme light and sound sensitivity
A migraine can affect even infants. A child who is too young to communicate with you may cry or rock back and forth to indicate severe pain.
What causes migraine headaches in children?
Some important distinctions between migraines and those that occur later in life occur early in life. Current research shows a clear link between childhood adversity and migraine predisposition throughout life.
Prolonged stress exposure in a developing brain may cause neuroplastic changes or altered biochemistry, resulting in a migraine-prone brain for life.
Childhood migraine triggers are similar to adult triggers: emotional stress, sleep deprivation, skipping meals, menstruation, and weather.
When should you see a doctor?
While headaches are common in children and are usually not serious, it is critical to accurately assess your child if they suffer from frequent or severe headaches.
If you are concerned or have questions about your child’s headaches, consult with their doctor, who may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and healthy habits such as a regular sleeping and eating schedule.
