Migraine attacks regularly begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and often decrease in frequency and severity with age. If there is a family history of migraine sufferers, then there is a strong possibility that children within that family may be afflicted by the condition.

Childhood migraine attacks are potentially as debilitating and disabling to sufferers as are adult migraine attacks, although they are generally shorter in length than adult migraines. Children may experience an aura, which is largely visual. Normal vision is impaired as children may see flashes of light, wavy lines or distortion of images. Nausea, vomiting and dizziness may also accompany childhood migraines. Understandably, these symptoms could confuse or frighten a young child, adding to the distress felt.

Childhood migraines cause disruption to the whole family, as a child in pain generally requires undivided attention of a caregiver. Children afflicted by migraine attacks may miss considerable amounts of school and spend uncomfortable days in doctors' surgeries and emergency rooms. Parents' work commitments may be disrupted when a child is regularly ill. It is distressing for parents and siblings to witness a child in such discomfort and feel helpless in easing that pain.

A confusing aspect of childhood migraines is the abdominal migraine, where the child has all the symptoms of a traditional migraine, without the headache. They experience an aura, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, combined with extreme abdominal pain which has no obvious gastrointestinal cause.

It is vital that a regular occurrence of headaches in a child is investigated by a doctor and a correct diagnosis attained. Migraine symptoms, at any age, are common to a number of other neurological conditions and diagnosis may be particularly difficult with children who may have trouble articulating the nature and source of their symptoms. When doctors conclude that the child is definitely experiencing migraine attacks, prevention and management of the attacks should be investigated.

Childhood migraines are treatable with medication in the same manner as adult migraines, although parents reluctant to give their children such medications may look to preventative measures first. Careful observation of daily events leading to the onset of migraine attacks may identify trigger factors, such as particular food types, lack of sleep or specific activities. Once identified, triggers can be avoided in effort to reduce the frequency of migraines.

It may be possible to manage the pain caused by the migraine by allowing the child to lie down in a darkened room, applying ice to the head or heat packs to an aching abdomen. Gentle massage may also soothe pain. The use of over-the-counter pain medications and prescription medications should be closely monitored and reassessed by the doctor as the child matures.

Learn more about this author, Katelyn Vercoe.
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