About eight million children in the United States suffer from migraine headaches, according to KidsHealth. FamilyDoctor.org defines migraine headaches as a severe pounding headache that begins in the forehead and lasts from two hours up to a few days. Migraine headaches can be dehabilitating and can make a child miserable. If a child is showing signs of extreme head pain, she needs to be seen by a medical doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Cause
According to DrGreene.com, migraines are caused by a hypersensitivity of particular blood vessels to various chemicals that regulate the dilation of the blood vessels. The most common chemicals causing migraines in children are substance P, serotonin and norepinephrine. The increase or decrease of these chemicals leads to blood vessels in the head expanding and contracting, causing pain.
Triggers
FamilyDoctor.org states that certain triggers can cause a migraine headache in children. Changes in air pressure, weather or altitude can trigger a migraine in kids. Emotional distress, including depression, being tired and stress can cause a migraine episode. Strong odors, bright lights and loud noises can affect a sensory-oriented child. Sometimes excessive physical activity and certain foods can trigger a migraine.
Symptoms
According to DrGreene.com, the child will experience severe head pain, explained as throbbing and pounding around the temples of the head. A child with migraine headaches will exhibit at least three of the following symptoms: nausea or vomiting, localized pain, abdominal pain, sensitivity to light or sound, family history of migraines and relief with sleep. Migraine symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition and need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Treatment
Treating migraine headaches in children begins with talking with the child's pediatrician. Have the child lay down in a dark room with a cool compress on the forehead, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Common over-the-counter medical treatment includes ibuprofen, according to DrGreene.com. The child's pediatrician may prescribe migraine headache medication and an anti-nausea medication to be given at the first signs of a migraine.
Prevention
According to FamilyDoctor.org, migraines in children can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Encourage a consistent sleeping schedule, have the child eat regular meals, exercise regularly and identify triggers. Take note if the child has headaches after eating meals or playing outside. Only one-third of triggers are identified in children.
