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COSTHeadaches and migraines are fairly common among children of all ages. Determining the source of these headaches can be difficult, but it is essential for finding the right treatment if they are consistent and do not go away on their own.
If your child is complaining about recurring headaches, they may require urgent care. Please contact Night Lite Pediatrics directly for assistance. We offer migraine treatment to children living and visiting in the state of Florida.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding this condition, diagnosis, or for treatment options.
What are migraine headaches in a child?
A migraine headache in a child is a recurrent and severe headache that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Migraine headaches are more common in children than adults.
Common causes of migraine headaches in kids
Diagnosing a child’s headache can be difficult, and may require experimenting with different approaches or conducting blood tests to ascertain the source of their headaches.
Causes include:
- Stress: Stress can trigger migraines in children, especially if the stress is long-term or the child has difficulty managing it. These are called Tension-type headaches.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in puberty can trigger migraine headaches in children, especially in girls.
- Environmental Factors: Loud noises, bright lights, or strong odors can act as migraine triggers in children.
- Poor Sleep: Sleep deprivation or an irregular sleep schedule can also act as a trigger for migraines in children. Getting enough sleep is important for children.
- Food: Some children may be sensitive to certain foods or additives, such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and nitrates, which can trigger migraines.
- Lack of Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches in children.
Symptoms of migraines in children
The most obvious symptom is a headache that can be throbbing or pulsating but may display one or more of these other symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances, such as seeing spots, flashes of light, or zigzag lines.
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Complications of headaches in kids
Complications of headaches in children can include:
- Sleep disturbances: Chronic headaches in children can cause sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and early morning awakening.
- Anxiety and depression: Chronic headaches can lead to anxiety and depression in children.
- Cognitive and academic issues: Children suffering from chronic headaches may experience cognitive and academic problems due to a lack of concentration and focus.
- Behavioral problems: Chronic headaches in children can lead to behavioral problems such as aggression, hyperactivity, and disruptive behaviors.
- Social isolation: Chronic headaches can lead to social isolation due to fear of pain or embarrassment.
- Physical symptoms: Chronic headaches can cause physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Treating headaches in kids
Treating headaches in children will be determined by what may be causing the headaches.
Some treatments include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Keeping a headache diary to track possible triggers such as lack of sleep, stress, or diet.
- Utilizing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery.
- Practicing good sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine and ensuring a consistent sleep schedule.
- Seeking urgent care for a thorough assessment and diagnosis may help with chronic headaches.
- Regularly exercising and eating healthy.
What is the cost of children's migraine treatment?
The cost of treating a child’s migraine at one of our urgent care clinics will vary depending on the source, tests needed, level of severity, and treatment plan. For more information on the cost please contact us directly.
After a thorough consultation with our urgent care doctors, whereby they will contact a physical exam, go through family history, discuss any other medical conditions, and may conduct some tests, a diagnosis and treatment plan can be recommended as well as the costs.
We also accept most major medical health insurances and self-pay options.
Urgent Care near me for children’s headache treatment
Headaches in kids can be difficult to diagnose, but with the help of our multidisciplinary team at Night Lite Pediatrics, we can help you determine the cause so you can start the best course of treatment.
At Night Lite Pediatrics, we are committed to providing Florida’s pediatric patients with the best possible treatment plans. We understand that as parents and caregivers you may have questions or need assistance in making the right decision for your child, so we are here to provide comprehensive care, support and guidance.
Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins, suggested arrival times and telemedicine. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:
- John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL
- Turkey Lake – “The Tourist Area”, Orlando, FL
- East Orlando, FL
- Apopka, FL
- Winter Garden, FL
- Kissimmee, FL
- Oviedo, FL
- Lake Mary, FL
- St. Cloud Kissimmee, FL
- West Melbourne, FL
- Port St. Lucie, FL
- Mandarin Jacksonville, FL
- South Side Jacksonville, FL
How to book an appointment
- Fill in a registration form to schedule a time to be seen.
- Telemedicine appointments.
- Walk-ins are welcome. Find a location near you.
FAQ
Below you can find a list of common questions and answers regarding children’s migraine treatments.
There is no single known cause of pediatric migraine, but there are several potential triggers. These include stress, fatigue, certain foods or additives, changes in sleep patterns, weather, hormonal changes, and certain medications or substances.
The best doctor to see for migraines would be a start with your urgent care doctor or primary doctor. They can assist with the necessary tests and diagnosis, and provide advice on lifestyle changes and medications that may help reduce migraine symptoms. They can also refer to the correct specialist, such as a pediatric neurologist if this is deemed necessary.
The first-line treatment for pediatric migraines is typically lifestyle modifications and non-pharmacologic treatments, such as avoiding triggers, getting regular sleep, and making sure to have healthy meals. If these measures do not provide adequate relief, medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and triptans may be prescribed.
The quickest remedy for migraine is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Other possible remedies include applying a cold compress to the head and neck, taking a break from any stressful activities, and avoiding bright lights.
Cluster headaches are a severe type of headache and can occur in both adults and children, though it is much less common in children. If a child is experiencing frequent, severe headaches, they should be seen by a doctor to be properly evaluated and diagnosed.
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from Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care