Some children get \u201cclassic\u201d migraines, which are severe, cause prolonged pain and unusual vision symptoms but more frequently, children get a milder version of migraine called \u201ccommon\u201d migraine. Symptoms can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/familytalkinglaughing.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Headaches that come and go, often with pain on one side of the head<\/li>
- Throbbing or pounding pain<\/li>
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or abdominal pain<\/li>
- Dark circles under the eyes<\/li>
- Relief of headache after sleep<\/li>
- Vision changes, such as blurry vision or seeing bright lights<\/li>
- Being bothered by lights (also called photophobia)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To treat a child\u2019s headache effectively, it\u2019s important that we understand everything we can about them. At the appointment, we will ask for details about the headaches, such as duration, activities or meals eaten right before a headache occurs and symptoms associated with the headache, like nausea or dizziness. We will also ask about family history of headaches. Keeping a diary about the headaches for us can be beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Migraine headaches are usually triggered by factors in the environment and in many cases, avoiding triggers can prevent headaches without the use of medication. Some common triggers are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Specific foods like hot dogs, pepperoni, chocolate, cheese or some artificial sweeteners<\/li>
- Dehydration or exposure to heat<\/li>
- Tiredness, lack of sleep or too much sleep<\/li>
- Hunger<\/li>
- Stress<\/li>
- Minor head trauma<\/li>
- Illness or nasal allergies<\/li>
- Menstruation in adolescent girls<\/li>
- Sunlight or glare<\/li>
- Flickering lights from fluorescent lights, TV or video games<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Avoiding triggers and using pain relievers is usually recommended at first to control headaches. Depending on the frequency, severity and impact of headaches on a child\u2019s life, daily medication may be used to prevent headaches. When we believe headaches are caused by stress, we may recommend other treatments like deep relaxation, biofeedback or counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To learn more about symptoms of and treatment for headaches, visit the American Headache Society\u2019s website at www.americanheadachesociety.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pediatric Neurology Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Center for Neurosciences is home to Southern Arizona\u2019s only group of full-time pediatric neurologists, uniquely equipped to address the special care required for children with neurological diseases and neurobehavioral conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n