Adults often think that children don’t have a care in the world. Images of kids frolicking in the sun and giggling their hearts out make the grown-ups green with envy. But children do face stress, pressure, anxiety and unfortunately, illness, just like everyone else. One such condition that afflicts both the young ones and adults are migraines.
Not many are aware that children’s migraine is a reality kids are confronted with. Though statistics vary, about 5-10% of children (aged 5-15) experience migraines during their childhood and up to 25% in adolescent females. During the high school years, approximately 20% of the adolescents endure migraines. Unfortunately for the girls, they are more predisposed to have the headaches than the boys.
A migraine is normally an excruciating pounding headache accompanied by nausea that occurs from time to time. The pulsing pain generally starts in the forehead, the side of the head or around the eye area. Gradually, the headache will progress and become more intense. Vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise are fairly common occurrences. Sometimes, an “aura” or shadows in their vision is experienced at the onset of the headache.
The exact cause of migraines is still unknown. However, there are several assumptions proffered by the scientific community. Probable causes are as strong odours, fatigue, depression, change in sleep patterns, skipping meals, hormonal changes, heredity, intense physical exertion and diet. Common food triggers include processed meat, aged cheese, excessive caffeine intake, chocolates and beans. Work closely with your child to identify the food triggers through the process of elimination.
Below are some helpful tips parents can make their kids do the ease their children’s migraine:
- Get 8-10 hours of sleep at night
- Drink 4-8 glasses of water
- Eat a balanced and sensible diet
- Steer clear of food triggers
- Exercise regularly
- Preventive medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Rest in quiet and dark place
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