My daughter is nine years old. At the tender age of five she began to complain that her "head hurt". My daughter had recently been ill with a chest cold, some sinus pressure, and normal seasonal cold symptoms. All the symptoms had been gone for a few days. I do not really like to give my daughter any over the counter medications unless I really have to.

The "headache", as my daughter called it just would not budge. Finally, after trying a cool compress, turning down/off lights, rubbing her temples did not work, I gave her the appropriate dosage of a children's over the counter pain relieving medication. Four hours into the "headache" nothing would work.

I decided that maybe this was not a "headache" after all. Needless to say, after a few trips to the emergency room. Meeting with her Primary Care Physician, who came up with the diagnoses that my daughter was not experiencing a mere "headache," but was experiencing full blown migraines.

I did not even realize that children could get migraines. I thought that a migraine was something us grownups get from lack of sleep, stress, and too much caffeine. I was surprised and searched for answers as well as a solution for this ailment my daughter was experiencing. Two or three times a month, my daughter experiences episodes. She is sensitive to light, feels nauseous,tired, and in a lot of pain.

I have come to learn through trial and error that there are some things I can do to help my daughter. limiting chocolate consumption because eating a lot of chocolate seems to be a trigger for my daughter, ensuring that she stays hydrated with non-sugary liquids, encouraging her to put down the electronics. Squinting at the small screens of nintendo/DS for long periods can trigger a migraine too. Limiting her intake of processed, sugary, and dyed drinks/snacks has meant less migraines for my daughter too.

When my daughter is starting to get or has a migraine, there are different techniques we try before we medicate. Quite often these techniques are very successful and no medications are necessary. If we are at home, we will turn down or shut off the lights in the room my daughter is in. We create a soft place for my daughter to lay down in a quiet location. I gather a cool compress and encourage my daughter to place it on her forehead. If using an ice pack, please be sure to place a washcloth or paper towel around it first before placing it on your child's forehead. The ice pack will be very cold and if placed directly on the skin, may cause frost bite damage to the skin. I rub her temples and will locate the pressure point between her thumb and pointer finger. Applying pressure in the junction with my thumb and pointer finger.

The best advice I can give to a parent that thinks their child is experiencing migraines is to advise you to seek out a medical evaluation from your Child's Pediatrician or your Family's Primary Care Physician. I have provided you some ideas that may be helpful to you once a qualified diagnoses is made by your child's own Physician. It is important to seek medical care if your child is experiencing any pain anywhere on their body.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Blankenship.
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