Childhood migraines, causes and how to prevent them

Although it is less frequent, children also suffer. The few hours of sleep, the abuse of the use of computers, television and video games are among the main causes of the childhood migraines. Child stress and the ingestion of certain foods or drinks are also the causes of the increasingly frequent

What are childhood migraines

migraine is a type of headache that can be severe and disabling. Its origin is multifactorial and is usually hereditary. People who suffer from it usually have family background with the same problem. If our child complains that his head hurts, we should pay attention to him. Your pain may be related to a physical problem or an emotional problem. If the pain is intense, does not subside and does not seem to be related to any other disease or physical discomfort, it is indicated to go to the pediatrician. Recognize symptoms and attend to infant migraine early will help alleviate the child's pain.

How they manifest

Headaches are mainly manifested in the top and both sides of the head. It is also common for children who suffer migraines They may also suffer from nausea, vomiting and / or stomach pain. Likewise, it is usually accompanied by a hypersensitivity to light, noise and odors. The duration of migraine is very relative, it can be only a few minutes (the most common) a few hours or even in more extreme cases whole days.

Causes of childhood migraines

migraine is a neurological disorder that occurs outside of the skull. The muscles covering the head are inflame by contracting blood vessels that reach the brain. The brain, therefore, receives less blood and less oxygen and this affects the circulating nerves that send pain messages to the brain and this causes migraine. The main situations that can trigger in migraines in children are:

• Lack of sleep and tiredness.
• Abusive use of television, consoles, tablets and computers.
• Stress or anxiety
• Excessive consumption of caffeinated sodas.
• A poor diet or skipping a meal.
• Hormonal or menstrual changes
• Vision problems.
• Loud noises and odors that are too intense.
• Dehydration
• Side effects of any medication.

Prevention of childhood migraines

The infant migraine it is becoming one of the most common diseases among children. As in many other diseases, good habits can significantly alleviate its effects. It is important to carry a balanced life which translates into sleep the hours that are needed, eat at set times without skipping any meals, eat healthily by limiting caffeinated beverages and high-fat foods, and make a responsible use of the computer and television. A child with migraines may have his and her physical and motor skills affected. If the child is taking any type of medicine the side effects of the same should be consulted with the doctor. It is estimated that 10% of headaches are caused by other disorders such as vision problems, ear infections, flu and urinary tract infections.

How is it treated

Headaches can begin to manifest in a number of ways: hypersensitivity to light or noises, indisposition, upset stomach, nausea, or the urge to vomit. Disorientation, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, blurred vision are also symptoms that often precede migraine. These symptoms usually manifest 15-20 minutes before the migraine. If the pain is not very strong and does not interfere too much with the child's activity, it is not necessary to resort to medications. In many cases it is enough to let it rest for a few minutes, preferably in a cool, dark and quiet place. The application of a compress at room temperature on the forehead or above the eyes is usually of great help. In case you have to resort to drugs, doctors cannot prescribe:

• Pediatric analgesics: medicine to calm or eliminate pain such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, avoiding acetylsalicylic acid.
• Medicines to reduce nausea or vomiting.
• Sedatives that depress the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain and help you fall asleep.

The good news is that age is the best migraine palliative. With the arrival of puberty, migraines usually disappear. Food plays an important role in treating migraine headaches. Let us therefore avoid that they consume excessively industrial pastries, trinkets, cured cheeses, etc. Better eating habits can decrease childhood migraines. It is also very important that children are not too burdened with extracurricular activities, letting them get a little bored, as it helps them to be calmer and less prone to migraines.

• Paying attention to the child with a headache is important, as it may respond to a physical or emotional problem.
• Lack of sleep, use of mobile devices, stress or consumption of certain foods or drinks are behind many childhood headaches.
• It is important to sleep the hours you need, eat well and at fixed times, limit foods rich in fat and make responsible use of the computer and television.