What Are the Best Treatments for Migraines in Children

Migraines can be painful, especially disturbing and intolerable for young children, making them distressed. So, here are the best ways to treat migraines in children.

A migraine is a sharp and painful sensation that can occur on any part of the head, ranging from dull to acute pain. A few symptoms include stress, loud noise, lack of sleep, and more. Furthermore, to clarify, a migraine is very different from a headache.

They are more severe and can get worse. It is reported that 10% of children aged 5-15 and 28% of teenagers can experience migraines. Migraines for children can be excruciating and quickly make them anxious and agitated.

6 Ways to Treat Migraines in Children

1. Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential to the human body, and you cannot compromise on this. Sleep is also crucial for the brain, and a lack of sleep can have adverse effects. Young children should get 8-10 hours of sleep daily because they are very hyper and active throughout the day and need sufficient time to rest and recharge.

Screen time, such as watching TV and playing games on the phone and other devices, should be turned off 2-3 hours before sleep as it can interfere with your child’s sleeping patterns. Instead, reading a book before bed is encouraged.

2. Eating a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Not eating three meals a day, eating sugary foods, junk food, and drinks that contain caffeine and processed foods, and not being consistent with meal times can also trigger migraines. To avoid this, give your child healthy, home-cooked foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients a growing child will need.

Drink plenty of water and stay active. However, you can occasionally indulge your child in sweets and snacks such as chips and takeout food but not regularly. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day and stays hydrated. Regular exercise is also important to prevent migraines.

Stress can also be a contributing factor to migraines. Activities related to school such as tests, exams, homework, bullying, or even family issues can weigh down on your child. Holding all these emotions inside can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for them which can eventually lead them to develop a severe migraine.

3. Medication to Relieve Pain

Another quick way to get rid of a migraine is to give your child over-the-counter medication for pain relief. Such medications include ibuprofen, Advil, Paracetamol, and Aspirin. Prescription medications such as Triptans and other prescription drugs are also effective and can be safely used on children older than 6 years of age.

Nevertheless, always discuss with your local doctor the symptoms of your child’s migraine and the appropriate medication and prescription they must take. Overdosing on medication can also increase the migraine and not necessarily get rid of it. There can also be side effects of the drug, such as nausea and vomiting, that must be discussed with a health professional as there are various risks and benefits, as each child will react differently to the medication.

4. Relax and Lie down

A quick way to get relief from a migraine is just to rest. Make your child lie down with the head slightly raised in a dark room without noise disturbance. Let them close their eyes and take deep breaths. It will help them calm down and not focus on the pain. You can also place a cool cloth on their forehead. Eating a light snack can also help resolve a migraine if your child has not eaten all day.

5. Alternative Medication Treatment

Alternative medication, such as herbal remedies/supplements, can be given to your child to treat migraines. These will include certain herbs, vitamins, and mineral extracts that can be given instead of over-the-counter medication.

Again, do not forget to seek professional guidance from a migraine specialist in Kansas City regarding these treatment options. Not all supplements will be appropriate for children and can have adverse effects instead of curing them.

6. Keep a Journal

Keeping a headache or migraine journal is extremely helpful. Write down everything your child did that day, what they ate, their activities, medications taken, and more. It will help you identify any migraine triggers. Other symptoms include mood swings, food cravings, irritability, yawing, and tiredness. Such can be possible indications of a potential oncoming migraine, and identifying such triggers will enable you to act sooner to relax your child and get rid of the migraine much faster so they will not have to suffer through the pain.

Conclusion

Migraines can be very painful; if your child is suffering from migraines, they can range from mild to severe. To ensure your child does not miss out on school and other activities, the parents can provide a few treatment options so they can get relief from the pain and don’t miss out on any aspects of their life. Eating healthy and regular meals daily, getting enough exercise, getting consistent sleep, and more are ways to prevent migraines for your child and help them cope with stress and pain.