Pain from migraines

How Do Migraines Occur?

Recurrent headaches are known as migraines (keeps coming back). On one or both sides of the brain, the pain can be sharp and throbbing.

Other signs can also be caused by migraines. Migraine sufferers may experience nausea or vertigo. They could react negatively to odors, noise, or light.

Migraines can be incapacitating, and children and teenagers who suffer from them frequently have to miss school, sports, employment, or other activities until they feel better.

Who is Affected by Headaches?

Up to 10% of teenagers and young people in the US experience migraines. Girls are twice as likely as males to experience migraines after the age of 12, during puberty, and afterward.

According to experts, having headaches is more likely in families. The likelihood of developing migraines is higher in children with migraine-prone parents than in children without such a background.

Why do migraines occur?

It is unknown what specifically causes headaches. According to scientists, they take place when some neurons (brain nerves) stop functioning correctly and send the incorrect signals. This could have an impact on the nerves that control discomfort.

Whatever the cause, medical professionals do concur that various things can cause (set off) migraines in some people.

these are typical migraine triggers:

hormone levels being affected by worry, such as during periods or when taking birth control pills, or skipping meals
excessive caffeine intake or caffeine decline (suddenly having less caffeine than usual)
some meals (alcohol, cheese, citrus fruits, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, etc.)
abrupt modifications to sleep habits
smoking temperature variations

What Occurs When You Have a Migraine?

Every headache starts out uniquely. Kids and teenagers may occasionally experience a migraine alert. They may feel strange or "off" a few hours or even days before the headache itself. They might experience various food cravings, or they might feel energized, irritable, tired, or thirsty. Premonition is the term for this.

Auras can appear in some children. Just before the headache, these neurological sensations begin and can last for up to an hour. Each person's aura is unique, but it frequently has an impact on eyesight. An individual might, for instance:

possess hazy eyesight
see specks, colored spheres, squiggly lines, or intense flashing lights
they can smell a specific scent and experience tingling in their face.

Children with migraines may become more uncomfortable once the headache begins as a result of light, scent, or sound. They may occasionally feel sick and vomit if they attempt to carry on with their regular routine. The pain frequently starts out only on one side of the brain, but it may later spread to both. The discomfort might get worse if you try to exercise.

Most headaches last between 30 and several hours, though some can last for several days.

The Diagnosis of Migraines

Your doctor will examine your kid and ask a lot of questions to determine the possible causes of your child's symptoms. The neurological exam will receive special attention. He or she might ask your kid to maintain a headache journal to track down the causes of the headaches. The doctor will use that knowledge to determine the best course of action.

In some cases, doctors will prescribe imaging tests like a CAT scan or brain MRI to rule out conditions that could be the source of migraines.

How Do Migraines Get Treat?

A number of different factors can cause migraine headaches. The severity, frequency, and signs of a child's headaches can all affect the course of treatment.

Typically, lying down in a cool, calm, and dark space is beneficial. The doctor might advise taking painkillers or anti-nausea and anti-emetic drugs. To lessen the frequency and intensity of their migraine attacks, some children and teenagers require daily preventive medication.

Some medical professionals instruct their migraine sufferers in a method known as biofeedback. This aids them in learning to unwind and use their brains to regulate some of the tense and painful bodily processes (like heart rate and muscle stress). Some individuals can use biofeedback to maintain their composure and stop a migraine if it starts slowly.

Some migraine sufferers find relief by supplementing their medical regimen with alternative treatments like acupuncture or herbal remedies. However, before using them, talk to your doctor about them. Herbal treatments, in particular, can have an impact on more conventional forms of therapy.

Is it possible to prevent migraines?

Not every migraine can be avoided. But knowing what causes headaches and making an effort to prevent them can be helpful. Ask your kid to stop engaging in activities that could trigger a migraine, such as prolonged computer use. If certain foods are triggers, assist your kid in avoiding them. Some individuals discover that reducing caffeine intake or consuming lots of water can help avoid migraines.

Make a schedule for everything your kid needs to do, particularly during challenging times, so they won't feel overwhelmed when the to-do list grows. Regular exercise can also lower tension and improve your child's wellbeing.

The more you both know about migraines, the better equipped you both can be to combat them.