Mary Bridge Children’s treats many children who have chronic headaches and migraines. Our team of specialists works together to evaluate the cause, find effective treatment and minimize days missed at school.
We also have a robust research program that aims to improve care and uncover new treatments. Our research efforts span a variety of areas within pediatric neurology, including subcutaneous and intravenous medications for migraine treatment, among others.
Types of headaches we treat
Headache symptoms vary in children depending on the type of headache, which can include migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches and rebound headaches.
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Migraines
Migraines can be genetic. A child whose parent or family member has migraines will have an increased risk of getting migraines. Symptoms of migraines in children include:
- Pounding head pain that gets worse with physical activity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Crying and holding the head, in babies who cannot explain what is wrong
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Tension headaches
Symptoms of tension headaches in children include:
- Muscle tightness in the head or neck
- Moderate pain across the entire head
- Pain that is not usually associated with vomiting
- Desire to sleep more
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Cluster headaches
This type of headache is rare in children. Symptoms include:
- Five or more headaches over the course of a week
- Sharp pain on one side of the head
- Congestion or runny nose
- Restlessness and agitation
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Rebound headaches
Rebound headaches are caused by regular, long-term use or overuse of medication to treat headaches, such as migraines. Pain relievers offer relief for occasional headaches, but taking them more than a couple of days per week can trigger rebound headaches.
Diagnosing headaches and migraines
It can be difficult for children to describe their symptoms, but our specialists are experienced in helping pinpoint causes and effective treatments. The first step is to obtain a thorough history and perform a neurological examination. If there are any red flags, further neurological imaging may be necessary, including:
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Computerized tomography (CT) scan
This procedure combines X-rays with computer technology to create detailed brain images. During the scan, your child will need to lie on a small table that slides through a large doughnut-shaped machine.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This type of scan uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create detailed brain images. For an MRI, your child will lie on a small table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine. An MRI takes approximately 40 minutes, possibly longer when a child requires sedation. We have technology available so your child can watch a movie during the MRI.
Mary Bridge Children’s child life specialists are available to explain procedures in child-friendly language, and a sedation services team can help your child feel comfortable during tests. We provide test results in as little as a week, but results may take up to two weeks when tests take place outside our facility. Learn more about diagnosis and testing.
We will also work with your child to identify whether lifestyle factors such as sleep, dietary habits or learning issues are at play. Lifestyle factors that may contribute to headaches include:
- Not getting enough sleep, or poor-quality sleep
- Not getting enough exercise
- Excessive use of electronics
- Dietary issues such as fructose malabsorption, where the body cannot properly absorb a certain type of sugar
- Stress and anxiety
- Exposure to migraine triggers (these triggers vary for each patient)
Headache and migraine treatment
Our experts work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for your child. Migraine prevention treatments may include:
- Antihistamine medicine, such as Periactin (cyproheptadine)
- Beta blocker medication, such as Inderal® (propranolol)
- Anti-seizure medication, such as TOPAMAX® (topiramate)
- Antidepressant medication, such as Elavil® (amitriptyline)
- Dietary supplements, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Acute treatment of headache episodes may include:
- Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Prescription medications, such as Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan)
- Anti-emetics, such as chlorpromazine and Zofran
Contact us
For more information about neurology care at Mary Bridge Children’s, please call 253-792-6630.