Causes of Migraine Headaches in Children

It is common for children to get headaches too, mostly from colds, sinus or flu symptoms. They also can conclude their child must have tension headaches, stress from school and migraines too. Some parents have a brain tumor which is rare, if they have migraine headaches symptoms. There are many causes for headaches or migraines.

Migraine headaches symptoms usually are a pounding, throbbing headache accompanied with vomiting. Pain from a migraine usually begins in the forehead or close to the eyes. Headaches can last for a few days and migraine headaches for several days without relief.

Children as young as five have headaches, and adults whom had migraines as children will have them as adults too. Headaches are more common to girls, while boys that get headaches when they are older and have them 2-3 times a week. Most children do eventually out grow having migraines though.

Migraines are caused by a lack of the chemical serotonin in the blood vessels in the brain. There are many different causes for having a migraine headache. When you find out what is causing migraine headaches symptoms, and then you can in make changes for migraine prevention; to lessen symptoms later.

There are lots of things that can cause headaches especially in children; it could be as simple as something in your food or diet, odors or bright lights, loud noises, weather, sleeping patterns, missing meals, physical activities, hormones or menstrual periods. Sometimes foods that cause problems include chocolate, cheese, caffeine or food additives.

Migraines can be diagnosed by your doctor based on your description on how your feeling. The doctor will also do blood tests, imaging tests like a MRI or CAT scans of the brain. Your child may also be asked to keep a headache journal, to find out what is triggering the headaches. Loud music or computer activities can also be a migraine trigger.

When you have migraine headaches symptoms you should go to a dark room and rest your head, putting cool compresses on your forehead to relieve the pain. Some children have an “aura” or a feeling that the headache is coming on, that is the time to take prescribed medications. Pain Medications include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Also prescribed are medications that reduce nausea or vomiting.