Migraine is a complex inherited neurological condition. Although commonly associated with adults, it is not uncommon to encounter cases of migraines in teens. This moderate-to-severe headache usually lasts for a couple of hours to several days. It may occur twice to four times per month, severely affecting a teenager’s daily life. Read this post to learn about migraine in teens, their types, causes, symptoms, and ways to treat and prevent this condition.
Prevalence Of Migraine In Teens
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 28% of teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 years experience migraines. It is more prevalent in girls than boys, with an incidence rate of 8% among boys and 23% among girls (1). Many children with migraine may never receive a diagnosis or have delayed diagnosis since the condition is not often associated with adolescents and teenagers. Therefore, many teens may not know that they are experiencing migraines (2).
Types Of Migraine In Teens
Teens and adolescents can experience the following types of migraines (3). In rare cases, some teens may experience the following types of complex migraines (4).
Symptoms Of Migraine In Teens
The symptoms of migraine may vary among teens of different ages. Below are some of the common symptoms of migraine in teens (4) (5).
Severe headache that may continue for two hours to several days Dull or throbbing pain all over the head or worse on the sides of the head Pale skin color Irritability Changes in mood Sensitivity to sound and light Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Vertigo Abdominal pain Difficulty thinking and focusing Fatigue
Causes Of Migraine In Teens
The exact cause of migraine headaches is still unclear. However, there are various theories for the occurrence of this condition (6).
Genetic nature: Studies show that teens with parents or siblings having migraine are at an increased risk of developing it themselves, suggesting a genetic nature of the condition.
Brain malfunction: Migraine could be a result of brain malfunction that may involve neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as serotonin. The cyclic changes in the secretion of these chemicals may lead to pain and migraine.
Constriction and dilation of blood vessels: A spasm or constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels in the neck and head followed by dilation of the blood vessels minutes to hours later may cause migraine. The dilation may increase the pressure inside the skull, resulting in headaches.
Factors That Trigger Migraine In Teens
The following factors and conditions may trigger migraine in teenagers (1) (7).
Stress and fatigue Lack of sleep or irregular sleeping habits Menstruation in girls Noise and bright light Dietary changes and changes in normal eating patterns Consumption of too much caffeine and caffeine withdrawal Heat and other extreme weather changes Certain medicines Changes in routine Strenuous exercises Image: iStock
When To Call A Doctor
Consult a doctor or pediatric neurologist if the teen’s headaches interfere with their daily life. You should also contact a doctor if the following conditions accompany the teen’s headaches (8).
Neck stiffness High fever Vomiting Loss of balance Behavioral changes Increased confusion Seizures Loss of consciousness
Diagnosis Of Migraine In Teens
There are no specific tests for migraine, but your doctor can make a diagnosis by gathering the following information (4).
Learning specific details about the headache, such as its severity, frequency, identifiable triggers, and associated symptoms
Taking the teen’s medical history, including past or current medications
Checking the family history of headaches
Additional tests are seldom needed unless the teen has other associated symptoms or if the headaches were triggered by an event, such as a dosage of medication or injury. In such cases, physical examination, blood tests, and MRI or CT scans may be recommended to determine underlying issues or the extent of the problem (9).
Treatment For Migraine In Teens
There is no cure for migraine. Medications may be prescribed for symptomatic relief, such as reduction of vomiting or pain. Pain medicines may be prescribed for severe headaches that interfere with daily activities. Some of the common medicines to manage migraine in teens include the following.
Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Naproxen Triptans; a category of selective serotonin receptor agonists
Avoid self-medication to manage migraine due to its chronic nature. The doctor can prescribe the safe daily limits of these medicines to avoid side effects. Some non-pharmaceutical treatments for migraine can include the following (1) (3).
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):It focuses on teaching coping skills, thinking positively, observing healthy habits, and relaxation techniques to help your child cope with migraine discomfort.
Biofeedback: It teaches the teen to become aware of biological functions or events, such as heart rate and muscle tension, and use the information to relax or manage the migraine triggers.
Stress reduction: It can be conducted with the help of a counselor or mental health professional and may involve stress-reduction techniques such as exercise and yoga.
Home Remedies For Migraine In Teens
You may try interventions at home to manage migraine in teens. These remedies can help manage existing migraine episodes and may prevent future ones from occurring (10) (11).
A healthy diet with adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins can be good for neurological health. Avoid diets rich in potential triggers such as caffeine, high salt and fat content, monosodium glutamate, and artificial sweeteners.
Adequate hydration with water can help keep the mind fresh and may make it easier to manage stress, which is one of the triggers of migraine.
Sufficient sleep is essential for the health of all body systems, and it can reduce stress and fatigue.
Regular exercise for about 30 minutes each day can benefit the body and mind, making it easier to manage the migraine triggers.
Gentle massage of the head can help reduce the intensity of the migraine. Teens who experience migraine with an aura may try self-massage when the aura begins. Image: iStock
Hot shower before bed can help the body relax and reduce anxiety.
You may encourage the teen to maintain a migraine diary where they can write the time and potential trigger of the migraine. It can help identify the triggers, letting the child deal with them better.
Complications Of Migraine In Teens
Migraines in teens are manageable and seldom cause any further problems. Nevertheless, migraines may lead to the following complications in some cases, especially if they are not diagnosed on time (12) (13) (14).
Acute migraine turning to chronic migraine
Lasting symptoms of aura phase, even when the headache dissipates
Migraine followed or accompanied by seizures
Structural changes in the brain
Increased risk of depression or anxiety disorder
Food preservatives Monosodium glutamate Aged cheese Cured meats Yeast extracts Chocolate
