Migraine headaches are much more than “just a headache“. Often debilitating in nature, these severe types of headaches bring a whole host of symptoms that make everyday tasks seem impossible while the headache is occurring. Migraines are quite common as well; approximately 12 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from migraines and around four million of them have chronic migraines, or 15 or more migraines a month. But migraines are not just an adult problem. In fact around 10% of school age children also suffer from migraines. With so much of the population experiencing migraines, the demand for drug-free care that is fast and effective is growing. Chiropractic neurology offers an excellent option for treatment of these often misunderstood headaches for adults, teens and kids alike.
Kids vs. Adults
Although migraines in children are often shorter that those suffered by adults, the symptoms that accompany these types of headaches can be just as serious and severe. Reported in kids as young as 18 months old, it is estimated that half of all migraine sufferers have their first attack before the age of 12. Just as in adults, the causes of a migraine attack are largely unknown, there is some evidence that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. In fact, a child who has one parent who experiences migraine headaches has a 50% chance of getting migraines; if both parents have migraines, that jumps to 75%.
Recognizing Migraines in Children
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, when children experience a migraine, the head pain may be less severe that other symptoms, making diagnosing migraines a challenge. However, there are some ways to tell if what your child or teen is experiencing is a migraine. Changes in behavior including changes in appetite, irritability, food cravings, lethargy, mood swings and even excessive yawning can be signs of a migraine. Just as in adults, sensitivity to light, smell, touch and sound are also common migraine indicators. In infants, motion sickness and colic many also be warning signs of early forms of migraines. In addition, it is helpful to know and be aware of common triggers. Stress, hormones, bright lights, certain foods, lack of physical activity, caffeine intake and poor sleep habits are all common triggers so developing healthy habits young will go a long way to managing migraine headaches.
Migraine Treatment for Kids & Teens
As with many conditions including adult migraines, treatment should begin with a thorough evaluation with your physician. Providing the doctor with a complete medical history including the prevalence of migraines in relatives, along with physical and neurological exams will help to determine if your child is experiencing migraines. For many patients, young and older, Chiropractic Neurology offers an excellent treatment option that is non-invasive, drug-free and designed with the individual needs of the patient in mind. For kids, teens and adults, knowing that they have a caring and professional physician who they can trust to provide the best care plan for their unique needs is the first step on the road to recovery. In addition, Chiropractic Neurologists are experts in the brain-body connection, using proven methods and techniques to return a patient to their personal best state of wellness, making Chiropractic Neurology the perfect migraine treatment to fit kids, teens or adults.
Would you like to learn more about how Chiropractic Neurology can help you or your child in the treatment of migraine headaches? We would love to talk with you. Please contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today for your consultation.
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