Headaches and Migraines in Children

Introduction

Migraines are among one the most common global health problems in children. With its disabling symptoms, it can impair the child’s functioning and affect their quality of life.

In children, the clinical presentation of migraines differs from migraines seen in adults. Therefore, it is often under-diagnosed.

According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICDHD-2), the child must have at least five episodes of migraine attacks following its diagnostic criteria.

The ICDHD- 2 criteria include:

• An attack which lasts 1-72 hours.
• Headache includes two of the characteristics: unilateral or bilateral, frontotemporal located, pulsing, or throbbing quality.
• During the migraine at least one of the following symptoms must accompany the headache. These include nausea, vomiting, and photophobia.
• Lastly, these symptoms must not be attributed to another disorder.

 

The etiology of migraines

The etiology of migraines in both adults and children is unknown. However, it is believed that migraines are primarily caused by neuronal sensory dysfunctions or disturbances. This leads to the involvement of the trigeminovascular system. As a result, disturbances of neuronal amino acid and calcium channels reduce the threshold for a variety of external and internal factors. These factors can trigger episodes of cortical spreading depression also known as CSD. Genetics also seems to be one of its contributing factors. Certain types of events or conditions can alter conditions in the brain, and trigger migraine attacks. These common triggers include:

• emotional stress
• certain foods
• food additive
• weather changes
• skipping meals
• bright light
• odor
• a change in sleeping patterns or lack of sleep.

 

Chiropractic care

When our body is under a lot of stress, it can create a shift in the structure of the spine. As a result, structural shifts create abnormal nervous system function. Our nervous system controls everything and when there is an interference of normal function secondary conditions like pain, tension, back pain, neck pain, arm or leg pain, headaches, migraines, etc can manifest. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of improving migraines in pediatric patients. Through Chiropractic care by addressing these structural shifts.

At Revolution Chiropractic we specialize in structural shifts. As a result, the nervous system and the entire body can go back to normal and optimal function again.

 

 

Looking for a Chiropractor in Auckland?

Follow us on Instagram Or  Twitter, connect with us on LinkedIn,  become a fan on Facebook.