What is a Migraine?
Migraine is a recurrent headache that usually lasts in children from 30 minutes to 48 hours. It is the most common cause of primary headache in children. It differs from migraine in adults and is likely to be under diagnosed. It is an important cause of disability and a significant cause of school absence in children and young people.
What are the symptoms of a Migraine?
Everyone has different symptoms when experiencing a Migraine however the most common symptoms are:
- Over senstivity to light (you may find that light hurts your eyes)
- May be clumsy and fall over easily
- Headache
- Pains in stomach
- Find it difficult to speak
- Feel sick or even be sick
- Diarroeah
- Have an Aura - you may have blank spots in your vision that aren't really there
What Causes a Migraine?
Doctors and Researchers still don't fully understand what causes a Migraine however it is thought that some triggers are involved. These triggers include:
Do you always get a Headache with a Migraine?
No, not everyone gets a Headache with a Migraine and sometimes the symptoms can be very mild so you may not even notice that you are suffering from a Migraine Attack!!! Some people also have pains in their stomach and feel sick. This is called a 'Stomach Migraine'.
How is a Migraine Diagnosed?
There isn't a definite test to diagnose Migraines at the moment. Doctors will usually diagnose Migraines based on physical examination results and medical history. A CT or MRI Scan may also be taken just to rule out any other possibilities.
What is the Treatment for a Migraine?
The first line of treatment is to try and identify trigger factors, which means keeping a careful record of events, mainly of foods that you have eaten before an attack. Particular foods are identified as migraine triggers in about 20 per cent of sufferers.
Doctors will usually suggest that you keep a diary of any foods you have eaten and if you have been stressed on a paticular day to see if there is any pattern.
If you are suffering from a Migraine, you should always try to rest in a dark, quiet room.
Some young people and adults like having something cold put onto their forehead as this has been proven to reduce some of the pain.
Simple painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are usually what Doctors will prescribe first to see if they work before prescribing any stronger medications, if they don't work consistently then your Doctor may prescribe something stronger. Please don't try and get medications yourself - always have your parents/guardians get them for you and follow your Doctors orders very carefully!!!
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