On Air Archive

Migraine is more than just a headache; it is the most common neurological condition.  It affects over 6 million people in the UK and is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.  Research by Migraine Action shows that 10.6% of school aged children are estimated to be affected by migraine.

Children don’t always have a headache during a migraine attack; common symptoms include abdominal pain, a sensitivity to light, sound or smell, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion or lack of attention

Migraine affects girls and boys equally until the age of 12 when it becomes more common in girls. Many girls experience their first attack around puberty.

Triggers’ are numerous and very individual but can include dehydration, skipping meals, stress, hormones, staring at the TV, computer or video games for too long, an imbalanced diet and bright sunlight.. Nausea and vomiting is a huge symptom in children. Dehydration is a major cause of migraine attacks in children.

Around 20% of children sometimes experience ‘aura’ symptoms – these are neurological symptoms; visual disturbances include blurred vision, flashing lights in front of the eyes, for example, or numbness of the limbs or pins and needles. These symptoms can be very frightening, especially for young children.  

Although there is no cure for migraine, there are many lifestyle tips which can help reduce a child’s chances of having an attack.

Eat regularly to keep blood sugar levels stable. Children should not go longer than 3 – 4 hours without food during the day or 13 hours overnight.

Drink plenty of water each day to keep hydration levels  up.

Avoid foods which have lots of additives and limit caffeine intake (such as in cola).

Keep a migraine diary to help recognise any patterns or triggers, such as particular foods, stress or bright sunlight.

Keep regular sleep patterns; the aim should be 8 – 10 hours each night.

Balance exercise with enough ‘fuel’ (a starchy snack, such as a sandwich, before exercise can help prevent attacks. Ensure there is plenty of time for rest and relaxation).

Children should spend no more than 3 hours a day on the computer, watching TV or playing video games (and no more than 45 mins in one session) and should stop at least one hour before they go to bed

Resting somewhere quiet or sleep can often help ease an attack when it occurs. Vomiting is common in children with migraine and also often helps to relieve the attack.

Many children who need medication find that over the counter treatments (such as Ibuprofen) helps.  There are also acute treatments to help when an attack strikes and preventative medication to help reduce the frequency and / or severity of attacks available for those who are more severely affected. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, also help some children.

To offer support to young migraineurs as a new school year begins, Migraine Action is launching free information packs in three age categories: 8 – 10 yrs, 11 – 13 yrs, and 14 - 17 yrs from the 6th of September

To order free copies of the new resources from Migraine Action call 0116 275 8317, email info@migraine.org.uk or visit www.migraine.org.uk/youngmigraineurs