Migraines in teenagers are relatively common. It can be a disabling neurological condition that can disrupt academic performance, school attendance, and other essential obligations like sports and work. Increasing amounts of stress on teens, including jobs, a social life, and pressure with academics, can make them more susceptible to triggers that can cause migraines. While various medications are available, the most effective treatment for migraines for your teen is a combination of healthy behavioral habits and lifestyle factors.
Causes & Symptoms of Migraines in Teens
If your teen experiences migraines more than 15 days monthly, they are considered to have chronic migraine. Sometimes a teen will experience a migraine with aura, which may include vision or sensory disturbances before a migraine attack occurs. Prevalent migraine symptoms in your teen may consist of:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision changes, called aura
- Pounding or throbbing head pain like the front of the head, worsens with movement
- Sensitivity to sound, light, and smells
Every adolescent varies in triggers for migraine, highlighting the importance of working with a mental health provider to establish a personalized treatment plan.
Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Migraines in Teens
A healthy lifestyle becomes essential for treating and preventing migraines in your teen. Taking account of your teen’s lifestyle, including nutrition and sleep, could avoid the onset of a migraine attack. A list of prevalent triggers for migraines in your teen might include:
- Lack of sleep can trigger migraines in your teen. So, aim for at least 8 hours daily.
- Missing meals or eating at inconsistent times.
- Lack of hydration.
- Stress may exacerbate symptoms of migraines in your teen.
- Hormone changes that happen during puberty or menstruation can trigger migraine headaches.
- Sometimes physical exertion can trigger migraine.
Since stress may trigger migraines, breathing, and relaxation techniques are great for your teen to practice regularly. Also, mindfulness and meditation techniques can help with pain linked to migraines in teens. If your teen experiences frequent migraines, practicing these techniques regularly may strengthen the mind’s resilience to pain. Fortunately, this can help reduce pain by avoiding overly focusing on it.
Other Thoughts
If your teen is experiencing migraines regularly, you should not dismiss it as “normal.” The sooner that migraine headaches are addressed, the better. In addition, working with a mental health provider can help find the ideal treatment for teens with migraine.
Enroll Today with Pharmasite Research
If you or someone you know has pediatric and adolescent migraine, it can be a huge hindrance to daily life, but there is always hope and help available. Seek professional help from a therapist who may recommend effective treatment options for you or a loved one. Pharmasite Research in Pikesville, MD, is enrolling individuals with pediatric and adolescent migraine for a clinical study. Learn more to see if you qualify! Contact us at 410-602-1440 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!