Could my child be having migraines?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. They might just say they’re very tired, their head hurts – they often can’t verbalise what’s happening.” Dr Juliana VanderPluym, associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, who has been extensively researching childhood migraine, says there are differences and similarities – but even with children, there can be telltale signs that it’s not a regular headache. “As in adults, migraine in children and adolescents are often moderate to severe in intensity, have a pulsating quality and may be worsened with physical activity,” she says. “Except for a few rare forms of migraine that result from a mutation in a single gene, migraine is felt to result from mutations in multiple genes… Recent research has identified well over 50 genes that may be contributory.” Khan describes migraine as being a “tendency” – meaning somebody has the necessary underlying predisposition, but developing symptoms comes down to triggers, and this can vary. At least two hours before bedtime, avoid screens, because screens suppress the hormone melatonin, which makes you sleepy.” Keeping a symptom diary can help families identify specific triggers affecting their child, Khan notes – he says it’s a good idea to take this along to your appointments – and you can ask your doctor for advice around food triggers.