migranes

my son is 11 years old he often get a headache when he is hungry or gets abloe on his head or if he isup sety about some thig please guide me if it is a regular headache or migrane (migraine) or some thing else .

[marileew]

Hi monajam,

Migraines can be triggered by skipping meals. So yes, if your son is hungry, that could trigger a migraine. Please make sure your son eats regular meals (3 meals a day) at regular times, with small healthy snacks through-out the day to keep him not hungry between meal times. Consult a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist if you have any questions about how to keep your sons blood sugar levels regulated through-out the day, as it may be dips in his blood sugar levels that are triggering his migraines. But please consult a doctor about this. Healthy snacks are always best, because snacks full of sugar or artificial flavors (like MSG on flavoured chips) can trigger migraines too. In most cases, snacks like vegetables and fruits are best. But consult a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist to find out what the most suitable snacks for your son would be.

Migraines can also be triggered by anxiety and stress. So yes, when your son gets upset about something, that could trigger a migraine. Try to teach your son ways of controlling his anger, such as deep breathing techniques when he gets upset. Or, going to his room in order to cool off. Make sure he knows that this is not a punishment, but a tool to allow him to relax. If it makes him more upset, these may not be useful tools. Consulting a children's psychologist would be helpful if your son needed tools to control his stress and anxiety levels. Sometimes schools will have children's psychologists or councilors on staff, so if you cannot afford a private psychologist, you could inquire with your sons school if it was possible for him to talk to a school councilor to gain techniques to control stress levels.

Biofeedback is one useful tool for migraine sufferers, especially if they also suffer from stress and anxiety. You may want to ask your son's doctor about biofeedback to control his migraines.

Meditation, deep breathing, yoga (and even prayer) are all useful tools to control stress and anxiety levels.

Extra-circular activites are great ways for children to control stress and anxiety levels. You may want to ask your son if he is interested in sports, theatre or music. Any one of these after-school activities could decrease stress levels and therefor also decrease migraines.. Consult with your son's doctor if you have any concerns.

I hope your son is feeling better soon. Keep us updated.

- marilee