Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/139497
Save a Life. Donate Milk… To learn more, contact us at www.milkbankcolorado.org or 303.869.1888 34 Help for Migraines Think Kids Can't Get Migraines? Think Again. by Jennifer L.W. Fink Approximately 10 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 13 suffer from migraines, and kids as young as 2 have been diagnosed with debilitating migraines.* The headaches take a toll on both kids and families; kids may miss school and other activities, while adults miss work and struggle to find solutions. But help is available. "Lifestyle changes are probably the most important part of a treatment plan," says Dr. Benjamin Ross, a pediatric neurologist with Rocky Mountain Pediatric Neurology & Sleep Medicine. "Kids enduring stress from things like bullying, moving, or perhaps a death in the family may trigger migraine. I encourage parents to anticipate, ask about and address stressful situations with their kids before it becomes too intense." Simple healthy-living basics, such as eating regular, healthy meals, getting enough sleep and drinking enough fluids, can also help keep migraines at bay. Certain foods, such as nuts, chocolate, caffeine and processed meats, seem to trigger migraines in some people, so if your child tends to have headaches after eating certain foods, try avoiding those foods to see if his headaches improve. A physician can help rule out (or treat) any underlying physical issues. If necessary, he or she can also prescribe medication to help avoid or alleviate the headaches. Preventative medications are taken daily. "Someone having headaches twice a week or more, or headaches lasting three to five days, would be a good candidate for a preventative medication," Dr. Ross says. Abortive medications can be taken to get rid of a migraine once it's started. These include the triptan medications (including sumatriptan, or Imitrex®) and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Other approaches to treating migraine may include physical therapy, relaxation techniques or herbal/vitamin supplements and should be discussed with your doctor. *Cleveland Clinic