Migraines in children are not just really severe headaches. They are much more than that. Migraines are a complex neurological condition accompanied by extreme head pain. They may also include multiple symmptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo (a spinning sensation) and dizziness
• Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and certain smells
• Abdominal pain
• Mood swings
• Visual changes
• Pain usually on one side of the head (can also be on both sides)
• Numbness and tingling
• Weakness
• Problems concentrating
• Neck pain

Children generally have shorter and fewer migraines than adults, but their migraines can be just as debilitating. Your child’s life quality can be impacted.

Migraines are quite common in children. In fact, children as young as 18 months old have exhibited signs of migraines. Here are some interesting facts in regards to migraines and children:

• As many as 10 percent of school-age children have migraines.
• Half of those who suffer from migraines had their first attack before age 12.
• Before they go through puberty, boys have more migraines than girls.
• After puberty, girls suffer more often than boys.
• By age 17, as many as 8 percent of boys and 23 percent of girls have had a migraine.
• A child with one parent who has migraines has a 50 percent chance of getting them also. A child with both parents who have migraines has a 75 percent chance.
• More than 50 percent of those with migraines have a relative with the condition.

Migraines can prove to be as disabling for children as for adults. Not only do children suffer from the attack of head pain, they also seem to develop a type of anxiety related to anticipating when the next migraine will hit. Children often miss school and after-school activities. Children with migraines are absent twice as much, an average of 8 school days per year, as those without.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Migraines are thought to have specific triggers. Some of these are:

• Dehydration
• Lack of sleep
• Caffeine
• Chemical additives - MSG, aspartame, sulfates
• Low blood sugar
• Bright and flashing lights
• Loud noise
• Changes in hormone levels
• Stress
• Allergies to food
• Mold and other environmental contaminants

Food triggers may include:

• Aged cheese
• Fatty and/or fried foods
• Chocolate
• Pork
• Alcohol
• Cured meats and nitrates found in hot dogs, salami, ham, and bacon
• Wheat
• Citrus
• Nuts

A number of studies have been conducted that indicate migraines can be connected to sensitivities or allergies to food such as wheat. A children’s hospital in London asked 88 patients suffering from severe and frequent migraines to limit their food allergen intake. Surprisingly, 93 percent become headache-free! When the body is low in nutrients, such as magnesium and B vitamins, this can be a hidden precursor to migraines.

Things to Do to Help Your Child with Migraines

If your child suffers from migraines, you may want to employ some of the following suggestions to try to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

1. Try to help him recognize the early warning signs that a migraine is going to hit so he can respond appropriately. He may be able to lie down and go to sleep to avoid the pain of a migraine.
2. Help him keep a migraine journal so that he can write down foods eaten, activities done, weather conditions, and other possible triggers. This can help you and him to identify what may bring on migraines and avoid these as much as possible.
3. Do away with potential causes of allergies for 1 month. See if migraines increase or decrease.
4. Take your child to be tested for food or environmental allergies.
5. Make sure he gets enough sleep and goes to bed as soon as symptoms begin.
6. Keep him on a regular routine of meals so as to avoid blood sugar lows.
7. Include salmon, walnuts, and other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These have been shown to be effective in reducing migraines. A recent study reported that 60 percent of those with migraines who took fish oil reported a reduction of 40 to 50 percent in the severity and frequency of headaches.
8. Foods with magnesium are also vital, such as nuts, seeds, beans, leafy greens, and avocados.
9. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 should be included in his diet in the form of eggs, edamame, and leafy greens.

Finding Natural Relief for Children with Migraines

When it comes to finding relief for their children, many parents struggle. They do not want to start giving their child medications due to the dangerous and debilitating side effects. Parents are often at a loss to which way to turn for help. One area seeing great success is that of upper cervical chiropractic care. This is a natural way of care that is safe for both children and adults. It is even safe for babies. Upper cervical chiropractic care is a gentle method that does not require popping or cracking of the neck or spine to get results. Rather, it is a gentle touch or tap to the area where the misalignment lies to encourage the bones to move back into place.

The reason that this procedure can help with migraines has to do with the impact of the C1 and C2 vertebrae when they are out of alignment. They are designed to protect the brainstem. However, if they are out of alignment, they can put the brainstem under stress and cause it to send improper signals to the brain. This can result in migraines. The misalignment can easily happen due to sporting injuries, tripping and falling when learning to walk or when playing, and any kind of blow to the head and neck. Once corrected, children and adults have seen their migraines improve or even go away.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hall, call our Brentwood office at 615-488-7891 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com