Health Tip: Help Prevent Childhood Migraines

2009/10/05

(HealthDay News) - Adults aren't the only ones affected by the often disabling pain of a migraine. Many children and teens also are prone to the intense pounding, occasional nausea and "aura" that warns some migraine sufferers.

While there's no sure way to prevent a migraine, the American Academy of Family Physicians says there are certain things that your child can do that may help:

• Eat regularly and don't skip any meals.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Get frequent and consistent exercise.
• Recognize what triggers migraines (examples may include stress or overexertion) and try to avoid those triggers.
• Identify any foods that may trigger a migraine. Common examples are chocolate, caffeine, cheese and processed meats.
• Talk to your child's family physician, pediatrician, or other health care provider about medication if migraines can't be controlled by other methods.

Copyright 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

Resources

Condition database - Migraine
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Article - Headaches
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Article - Migraines More Common in Overweight Kids
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Article - What May Be Causing Your Child's Headaches
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