By Dr. Anurag Aggarwal | Paediatric Neurologist
When a child repeatedly complains of headaches, many parents assume it’s because of too much screen time, poor eyesight, dehydration, or even an excuse to avoid school.
But what if it’s actually migraine?
Childhood migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders in children, yet it remains underdiagnosed. Early recognition can prevent unnecessary suffering and help children return to school, sports, and everyday activities with confidence.
Can Children Really Get Migraine?
Absolutely.
Migraine can begin as early as preschool age, although it becomes more common during school years and adolescence. Unlike adults, children may experience headaches that are shorter in duration and often occur on both sides of the head.
Some children may not even complain of severe head pain. Instead, they may present with:
- Recurrent headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain (“abdominal migraine”)
- Motion sickness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Missing school because of headaches
If these symptoms occur repeatedly, migraine should be considered.
Why Is Childhood Migraine Often Missed?
Many children undergo repeated eye examinations, blood tests, or even brain scans before migraine is recognized.
Parents are sometimes told:
- “It’s just stress.”
- “It’s because of mobile phones.”
- “The MRI is normal, so nothing is wrong.”
The reality is that migraine is a neurological condition. A normal MRI does not rule it out.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Advice?
Consult a paediatric neurologist if your child has:
- Headaches occurring more than once or twice a month
- Headaches interfering with school or daily activities
- Recurrent vomiting with headaches
- Family history of migraine
- Episodes associated with visual symptoms, dizziness, or weakness
- Frequent need for pain medications
Early diagnosis often leads to better symptom control and improved quality of life.
How Is Childhood Migraine Treated?
Treatment is individualized and usually includes:
Lifestyle Measures
- Regular sleep schedule
- Adequate hydration
- Healthy meals without skipping breakfast
- Regular physical activity
- Limiting excessive screen time
- Identifying personal migraine triggers
- Stress management
Preventive Medicines
For children with frequent or disabling migraines, preventive medications may be recommended. Common options include:
- Propranolol
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Topiramate (approved for migraine prevention in adolescents)
The choice of medication depends on the child’s age, symptoms, associated medical conditions, and individual response. These medicines should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified paediatric neurologist.
When Is It NOT Just Migraine?
Certain symptoms require urgent medical evaluation, including:
- Sudden severe headache
- Persistent vomiting
- Weakness or difficulty walking
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Headache that wakes a child from sleep repeatedly
- Headache associated with fever and neck stiffness
These symptoms should never be ignored.
A Message to Parents
Children rarely pretend to have repeated headaches.
If your child frequently complains of headache, don’t dismiss it as “just stress” or “just screen time.” A timely evaluation can make a significant difference in your child’s academic performance, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
The earlier migraine is identified, the sooner your child can get back to enjoying childhood.
Schedule a Consultation
If your child experiences recurrent headaches, migraine, dizziness, or unexplained episodes of vomiting, a specialist assessment can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Early diagnosis. Individualized treatment. Better quality of life.
This article is intended for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.