Adolescent migraines: Classifications, origins, and remedies
Migraines are a common health issue affecting a significant number of teenagers. Approximately 28% of teens between 15-19 years old experience migraine headaches, with females being more commonly affected than males.
There are several types of migraines that can affect teenagers, including migraine without aura, migraine with aura, abdominal migraine, chronic migraine, vestibular migraine, hemiplegic migraine, and basilar migraine. The most frequent type is migraine without aura, while migraine with aura affects around 20-30% of people with migraine.
Typical migraine symptoms in teenagers include moderate to severe headaches, often one-sided and pulsating, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura symptoms when present (visual disturbances, sensory changes, weakness). For migraine with aura, the aura usually develops over 4-5 minutes and lasts up to 60 minutes.
Migraines in teenagers result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which increases sensitivity to stimuli. This triggers nerves to release chemicals such as CGRP, causing dilation of blood vessels and inflammation in the head, particularly around the trigeminal nerve, contributing to pain. Common triggers can include hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, sensory stimuli, and sleep disturbances.
Treatment strategies for migraines in teenagers include acute management, preventive treatment, and identifying and avoiding known triggers. Acute management involves minimizing exposure to light and noise, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, and antiemetics for nausea. For more severe attacks, triptans may be prescribed to relieve symptoms. Preventive treatment may include prophylactic drugs such as beta blockers or CGRP inhibitors for frequent or long-lasting migraines.
Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent future migraine attacks. This includes drinking 8-12 glasses of non-carbonated liquid each day, exercising for at least 1 hour, three times a week, getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, and following a regular sleep schedule. Avoiding processed foods, including those high in fat and sugar, is also recommended.
Anyone who is concerned about severe or frequent headaches should contact their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If a teen is experiencing severe or frequent headaches, they or their caregiver should contact a doctor. It's important to note that the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NIHCE) has cautioned that Domperidone may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age or weighing less than 35 kilograms.
In conclusion, understanding migraines in teenagers is crucial for effective management and treatment. By identifying triggers, making lifestyle changes, and seeking medical advice when necessary, teenagers can better manage their migraines and improve their quality of life.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Migraine in children. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20355638 [2] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Migraines in children. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/children/ [3] American Migraine Foundation. (2021). Migraine Triggers in Children. Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-triggers-in-children/ [4] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Migraine Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Migraine-Fact-Sheet [5] American Academy of Neurology. (2021). Migraine with aura. Retrieved from https://www.aan.com/patients/disease-specific-library/migraine-with-aura
- Migraines in teenagers can be managed effectively with the right understanding, treatment, and lifestyle changes.
- A significant percentage of teenagers, especially females, experience migraine headaches, making it a common health issue among this age group.
- Migraines can be divided into several types, including migraine without aura, migraine with aura, and other neurological disorders.
- Migraines in teens are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which increases sensitivity to stimuli and triggers various symptoms.
- Pfizer's CGRP inhibitor, Qulipta, may be prescribed as a preventive treatment for migraines in some teenagers.
- Amphetamine-like substances, like Domperidone, might not be suitable for children under 12 years of age or weighing less than 35 kilograms.
- Preventive treatments for teenage migraines include prophylactic drugs, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and sleep schedules, and identifying and avoiding known triggers.
- It is crucial for any person experiencing severe or frequent headaches, especially teenagers, to consult with their healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and suitable treatment options.
