Parents worry that headaches in children are an abnormality and an indication of some serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor, but most headaches are not of that serious a nature.
The word “migraine” is derived from the Greek for “pain in one side of the head.” Migraines are characterized by mild to severe pain on one or both sides of the head, sometimes accompanied by nausea and incoherent vision.
Both children and adolescents can suffer from headaches caused by tension or stress, sinus infections or migraines. Migraine headaches in children do seem to run in the family but a clear genetic marker has yet to be identified by scientists.
What Triggers the Pain?
Common triggers for the ailment include:
- Stress or tension
- Not eating regularly
- Irregular sleep habits
- Deviation in daily routine
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) found in tomatoes, parmesan cheese, potatoes, mushrooms and some other fruits and vegetables
- Strong odours
- Sensitivity to light and sound
The most common symptoms include:
- Pain on one or both sides of the head that can vary in intensity
- Pain behind the eyes
- The pain worsens with physical exercise
- Nausea, vomiting or a combination of the two
- Abdominal pain occurs along with the headache
- Deep sleep seems to relieve the headache
- Less commonly, a tingling sensation is experienced in the face, arms or shoulders, problems in speech and weakness in one side the body.
Incidence in ChildrenMigraine headaches in children are often under reported, as children are not expected to have them. According to an article in Khaleej Times, about 50% of those diagnosed with migraines are below the age of 20. Although no official studies have been conducted in the UAE, doctors believe that the incidence is likely to be very high because of both genetic predisposition (certain foods, climate and lifestyle choices) and environmental factors (skipping meals, lack of sleep and so on).
Migraine is characterized by its tendency to go away on its own and no permanent cure has yet been found. However, certain treatments, such as botox injections, magnesium and the B-vitamins are being tried experimentally.
At the moment, the only option available is to relieve the pain by using over the counter medication, such as Nurofen, which contains the drug, Ibuprofen.