Is it possible for children to get migraines ?
About 3–10% of kids suffer from migraines. Up until puberty, when roughly half of these kids or young teens stop having migraine episodes, the prevalence rises with age. Alternatively, if a person develops migraines in their adolescence, they are more likely to carry the illness into adulthood. Males and females are equally likely to experience migraines prior to puberty. Females are more likely to experience it after puberty. Many of the symptoms experienced by adults with migraines also affect children. The symptoms can include a headache that lasts for two to seventy-two hours, a headache on one side of the head, moderate to severe pain, pain that worsens with physical activity, nausea or vomiting aura, and sensory disturbances like flashing lights in the field of vision, which may be the first symptom. According to the National Migraine Centre of the United Kingdom, children are more likely than adults to experience pain in multiple locations or throughout the entire head. Children’s episodes might also be shorter than adults’. Since they might not be able to articulate their symptoms, young children can be challenging to diagnose with migraines. The subjectivity of pain intensity presents another difficulty because there may be little to no comparison between children and their parents or other caregivers. For these reasons, migraines in children under the age of two are rarely diagnosed by physicians.
Lastly, it is important to remember that a headache may not occur at all or only be a minor symptom for some migraine sufferers. Why certain children suffer from migraines while others do not is a mystery to researchers. There may be a genetic component to migraine, though, as many children who suffer from the disorder have family members who also have it. It is recognized by experts that specific genetic mutations can predispose children to specific migraine types. A mutation in any of the following genes could be the cause of hemiplegic migraine, for instance, which is a form of the disease that results in momentary weakness and paralysis in children. Research into the causes of other migraine types is still ongoing. Migraine sufferers frequently discover that particular meals, circumstances, or outside elements set off migraine attacks. Finding these triggers can frequently aid in averting the episodes. Finding the triggers, though, can take some time. It’s also important to remember that a migraine episode can develop as a result of multiple triggers overlapping. Recording a child’s migraine symptoms and any potential causes can be beneficial.
In the section below on home care, we provide detailed instructions on what to write down. A child may experience an episode if they sleep too much or too little. These are common triggers to take into account. Creating and adhering to a regular sleep schedule could be beneficial. Making sure a child drinks enough water can help lessen the symptoms of migraines, especially after physical activity. Certain foods and insufficient eating can both cause symptoms. When a child exhibits symptoms, record what they’ve eaten and look for patterns. Overstimulation and stress can aggravate migraines. A child who experiences stress and anxiety on a regular basis might find it helpful to have a quiet area where they can decompress. Children’s mindfulness exercises could be beneficial as well. Changes in the weather, secondhand smoke, and bright lights, such as those on computer or phone screens may be among them.
While avoiding certain migraine triggers can help lessen the frequency of episodes, not all migraine triggers can be avoided. A doctor may prescribe an appropriate over-the-counter (OTC) medication if a child is having migraine symptoms. Examples of OTC medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4-6 hours, ibuprofen (Advil) every 6-8 hours, and naproxen (Aleve) every 8-12 hours. However, not all children can take these medications or use the recommended dosages. Before giving any over-the-counter medication to a child, have a conversation with a doctor or pharmacist. A child may also be prescribed a medication from the triptan family if they have severe or frequent migraine attacks. These are especially effective in averting migraine attacks.
Both rizatriptan (Maxalt) and sumatriptan (Imitrex) have been given FDA approval for use in pediatric patients. In addition to giving medication and assisting in preventing exposure to triggers, caregivers and children can also use other strategies to manage migraine symptoms. When a child experiences migraine symptoms, try moving them to a quiet, darkened room, applying cool or warm compresses to their head, offering them an eye mask to block out any light, massaging any tense or sore muscles, and encouraging them to sleep, if this helps. Anyone keeping a symptom diary should record the time and date that the symptoms occurred, the length and severity of the episode, and whether any treatments or strategies help.
Having a plan in place before experiencing a migraine may lessen its effects. One may create one or more migraine kits with supplies like medicine, water, hot or cold packs, an eye mask, and a symptom log. Acquire knowledge about plausible triggers and pinpoint particular ones. Assist in finding any early warning indicators of the onset of symptoms. Notify daycare facilities, schools, and other caregivers about the child’s experiences and what to do in the event of a migraine attack. It’s important to remember that giving painkillers as soon as you can might help halt the migraine episode’s progression.
Determining the severity of a child’s migraine symptoms can be challenging. Depending on how old they are, they might not comprehend or be afraid of their condition. Being comforting and composed is crucial during an episode. After that, educating the child about the ailment or having a doctor explain it to them may be beneficial. Certain fears may be allayed if one knows what a migraine is and that every episode ends eventually. The child may also benefit from taking the initiative to manage the illness, such as by maintaining or assisting with a symptom diary. Speak with a physician regarding a child’s migraine symptoms. In order to lessen the intensity and frequency of episodes, they might recommend medicine. It’s crucial that they rule out any other potential reasons for the symptoms. Certain symptoms of migraines can be mistaken for more serious medical conditions. If a child has any of the following symptoms: stiff neck, confusion, seizure, loss of consciousness, sudden, severe headache without other migraine symptoms, headache with the worst pain they have ever experienced, headache after a head injury, or any combination of these, seek emergency medical attention. Consult a doctor immediately if a child has migraine symptoms along with changes in vision, balance, or coordination, excessive vomiting, persistent pain, or a recent change in personality or behavior. Migraine is a common condition in children, and the symptoms can start early. As soon as symptoms appear, taking over-the-counter painkillers may reduce or eliminate their effects. Alternatively, a physician might recommend specific migraine drugs. If you experience any migraine symptoms, it’s critical to see a doctor. Certain symptoms can mimic those of other health problems, so a doctor needs to be certain of the cause. Apart from recommending medication, the physician can offer advice on recognizing triggers and controlling episodes.
REFERENCES:
For lung cancer disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_273