Learn More About Migraine Symptoms in Kids at South Shore ER, a Leading Emergency Room Facility in Friendswood City, Texas

What Are Migraines?

A migraine is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days. The pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, the side of the head, or around the eyes. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. It’s important to note that a migraine is a primary headache, meaning that it isn’t caused by a different medical condition. Primary headache disorders are clinical diagnoses, meaning there’s no blood test or imaging study to diagnose them.

Being one of the world’s most common health conditions, migraine affects roughly 39 million people in the United States and 1 billion people worldwide have experienced migraine. This condition is no exception for kids and young adults who go through excruciating pain. Up to 7 million children and adolescents in the USA suffer from migraines.

Read through this extensive blog by the experts from SouthShore ER to get a clear insight into the causes management and treatment options for migraine symptoms in kids.

What Are Some of The Causes Of Migraines In Kids?

• Genetics– Children who are born to parents with a history of migraines are more likely to develop migraines. About 80% of cases of children experiencing migraines have a first-degree relative with the same.
• Gender- Migraines are more prevalent in women than in men. This is usually associated with hormones since the women population mostly affected is between the ages of 15 and 55 years.
• Environmental Triggers- Certain environmental factors or triggers may contribute to migraine symptoms in kids. These can include dehydration, skipping meals or irregular eating patterns, and certain food triggers including, chocolate and cheese, processed meat, and caffeine.
• Weather Changes– Weather changes often lead to migraine symptoms in kids, especially during the hot weather.
• Physical Activity– Intense physical activities may trigger migraines in some children.
• Sleep disturbances– Changes in sleep patterns, including lack of sleep or irregular sleep, can be associated with migraines in kids.
• Coexisting Conditions– Other medical conditions for example ADHD and anxiety disorders in children may contribute to migraines. Therefore, at SouthShore ER these conditions are probed further for correct diagnosis.
• Childhood Stressors– In some cases some stressors unique to childhood like academic issues and family conflicts could lead to migraines.

Migraine Symptoms in Kids

Below are some of the migraine symptoms in kids:

• Headache– Severe headaches are the main migraine symptoms in kids. The pain is described as pounding and throbbing.
• Abdominal Pains- In some cases, migraines may present as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains.
• Aura– In some cases, children may experience an aura before the onset of the headache. Auras are typically visual disturbances. The child might start seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots or may experience tingling or numbness.
• Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smell– Bright Lights, loud noises, and strong smells may worsen migraines in some children.
• Fatigue– This is a common migraine symptom in kids as they feel tired and may seek sleep or rest during a migraine attack.
• Mood Changes– Children experiencing migraines may also exhibit mood swings, behavioral changes, and irritability.

What Are Some of The Management and Treatment Options for Migraines in Kids?

1. Abortive treatment for severe migraines: Abortive treatment for migraines in kids typically involves medications like triptans, which help alleviate migraine symptoms and prevent the progression of the headache. For severe migraines, healthcare professionals may prescribe specific medications, such as triptans. In cases of mild to moderate migraine symptoms in kids, the parent/guardian may obtain pain relievers to stop the pain. Professional advice is recommended before use.
2. Lifestyle modifications: These include; regular sleep, hydration, regular meals, and keeping off from identified triggers. This helps prevent migraine symptoms in kids.
3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can be useful for children with migraines, especially if stress or psychological factors contribute to their headaches. CBT helps develop coping strategies and management of stress in children.
4. Medication review: It’s important to review all the medications taken by the child to make sure that they do not contribute to migraines.

Take The Next Step Today and Choose the Fast and Compassionate ER in Friendswood City, Texas

By choosing the South Shore ER in Friendswood City, Texas, for migraine symptoms in kids, you will be choosing a state-of-the-art freestanding emergency room, fully licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional emergency room and pediatric urgent care services. We ensure you receive the necessary diagnosis swiftly and efficiently, whether it’s day or night. Besides migraine symptoms in kids, our pediatric urgent care department also handles other pediatric illnesses including allergic reactions, asthma, minor cuts, wounds, abrasions, burns, minor insect bites, minor rashes, RSV, sinus infections, and many more. Contact us today for more information regarding our services!