Dr. Michael Oshinsky, Director of the NINDS Office of Preclinical Pain Research, is the featured guest on the July 27 episode of the Spotlight on Migraine podcast, “Understanding and Managing Migraine in Kids and Teens.”
About ten percent of kids aged 5-15 experience migraine, and if left unmanaged, migraine can interfere with school, activities, and daily life. Migraine is also associated with other health problems: about 1 in 4 young people that experience it have depression, and 1 in 2 have anxiety.
In the episode, Dr. Oshinsky discusses symptoms, triggers, and management techniques for migraines in youth.
Compared to adults, young children often feel migraine pain on both sides of the head, and their migraines usually last less than 2 hours. Other symptoms could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or vertigo
- Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and smells
- Lightheadedness, difficulty thinking and focusing, and fatigue
Common migraine triggers in kids and teens range from skipped meals and dehydration to inconsistent sleep and sudden changes in environment, among others. Several studies have shown behavioral strategies can be effective in helping kids manage their migraine. A few of these techniques include:
- Drinking enough water throughout the day
- Eating regular meals and snacks
- Getting enough sleep (about 9-11 hours) each night
- Using relaxation strategies, like taking deep breaths, to lower stress levels
Dr. Oshinsky also shares how the Migraine Trainer® app provides teens with tools and resources to help them understand and take control of their migraines by making a personalized migraine management plan. With this app, teens can track the frequency of their migraines, work to pinpoint common causes of migraines for them, and manage a migraine that is underway.
Visit Spotlight on Migraine for the full episode, including a video and transcript, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotlight on Migraine is a podcast that explores the mysteries of migraine from many perspectives: patients, advocates, caregivers, health professionals and researchers. It is produced by the Association of Migraine Disorders®, which strives to expand the understanding of migraine by supporting research, education, and awareness.