Headache Journal

Migraine in Adolescent Patients

Overview

Migraine attacks experienced by adolescents are just as disabling as those experienced by adults, often disrupting their social lives and education. What are the key features for diagnosing migraine in adolescents and what treatment options are available? What lifestyle modifications could help limit attacks and ease symptoms? Experts explain this and more.

Podcasts

Special Populations: Migraine in Children

Migraine affects 39 million people in the United States, and one in 11 children have migraine. On this episode, pediatric neurologist Dr. Lauren Strauss explains diagnosis, lifestyle changes and treatments for children with migraine.

Prescribing a Migraine-friendly Lifestyle

Patients are often surprised by how much a lifestyle change can improve the severity and frequency of their migraine attacks. Find out what kinds of changes, from diet to exercise, Dr. Fred Cohen recommends sharing with patients.

Videos

SMART Tips for Migraine in Adolescents

Identifying specific triggers and relieving factors for migraine attacks is a key aspect of controlling the pain. The mnemonic device SMART can help you and your adolescent patients remember some daily lifestyle tips to help prevent or reduce migraine attacks.

Behavioral Treatment for Children With Migraine

Behavioral treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, healthy lifestyle habits, and biofeedback can be beneficial to anyone with migraine, especially children. Learn how to properly frame the recommendation for behavioral treatments.

Recent News & Research

Research Summary: Acute and Chronic Management of Posttraumatic Headache in Children

Headache is one of the most common symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury, affecting more than 80% of children and adolescents.

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Study on School Start Times Shows High Schoolers with Migraine Lack Adequate Sleep

While later start times did not correlate with fewer headache days per month, teenagers with migraine are still getting ‘nowhere near’ enough sleep

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From the Journal: Treating Chronic Headache in Adolescents with Group Education

Research from Headache suggests education on lifestyle factors may be an effective, low-cost method for treating chronic headache in youth.

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From the Journal: sTMS for Migraine Treatment in Adolescents

New research suggest that the neuromodulation technique may be safe and effective for patients ages 12 to 17.

Read More

Additional Resources

Pediatric and Adolescent Migraine

SMART Tips for Migraine in Adolescents Hand Out

Acute Therapy for Adolescents with Migraine

Preventive Therapy for Adolescents with Migraine

Patient Resources

Getting the Right Care for Your Child with Migraine

The first step in migraine care for children is to seek the help of a healthcare provider. Learn tips to help you prepare for your visit.

Migraine in Kids: Addressing the Impact

Learn how to stay involved in minimizing the negative effects of migraine in kids when it comes to your child’s quality of life. 

Pediatric Migraine: A Guide for Parents

Lauren Doyle Strauss, DO, FAHS, talks about how parents can help identify, explain and manage their child’s pediatric migraine. 

“Why Do I Have Migraine?” and Answers to Other Questions that Children Have

Children likely have many questions about their migraine. Learn from Dr. Andrew Hershey some answers to their questions to help comfort them.

Pediatric Migraine: A Primer for Teachers and School Nurses

Our primer on pediatric migraine for teachers and school nurses explains how to support students with migraine.

Identifying and Removing Dietary Triggers in Children

What can parents do if certain foods trigger migraine attacks in their child? Learn about food triggers in children, and how elimination diets can help.

Pediatric Migraine Action Plan

Learn how a pediatric migraine action plan can help your child with migraine flourish, even when they suffer attacks at school.

Healthy Habits for Kids with Migraine

The following tips help kids with migraine follow healthy habits and give them a means of managing their symptoms.

Advocating for Your Child with Migraine

How can you help your child manage their migraine? Read Dr. Marielle Kabbouche Samaha's tips to parents so you can be effective advocates for your kid.

MRI for Kids: When is Brain Imaging Necessary?

When is an MRI necessary for kids with headaches? Dr. Meghan S. Candee offers insights on how to discuss imaging for children to parents.

How Comprehensive Headache Centers Can Help Patients with Pediatric Migraine

We spoke with Dr. Jessica Gautreaux, child neurologist and headache specialist, about the role comprehensive headache centers can play.

Migraine in Children

Learn how migraine affects children, what treatments are available and how to help your child manage their migraine.

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