Kids can get migraines too
IT is easy to characterise migraines as an adult problem, but while there is limited data to support paediatric migraines, many children struggle daily to cope with headaches and their associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts.
Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour, said that proper diagnosis and management of the condition would bring relief to children who suffer from migraines.
“Migraine headaches are severe and recurrent and usually start in childhood. Once the diagnosis has been made and other serious possible causes eliminated, it is essential to prevent occurrences to avoid the debilitating effect of a headache,” Dr Griffith said.
She said that while each person is different, and the way their headaches manifest may differ, the most important rule to migraine management is to first identify triggers and make every effort to avoid them in order to neutralise an episode.
Note that noise, hunger, dehydration, and foods such as citrus and chocolate remain among the most common migraine triggers. Exhaustion can also lead to migraine headaches, as well as sleep deprivation.
Diagnosing children, according to Griffith, can be done by doctors based on recurring symptoms which parents have noted. However, additional scans may be done for confirmation and also to rule out the possibility of more serious medical conditions.
Doctors will prescribe pain medication if necessary, and generally encourage a change in diet for children who may often consume foods that are high on the list of triggers. Importantly, children should never be given over-the-counter pain medication unless a doctor has been consulted.
Dr Griffith advised that all children who complain of frequent headaches should be taken to the doctor. She said that babies, though unable to talk, often react to headaches by banging their heads. Parents should never ignore this sign.
