My son was 5 when he was first diagnosed with migraines. My daughter was lucky to wait till she was 10. Their migraines are controllable by preventatives and mild pain killers. They both inherited them from their father who suffers from migraines and clusters. He has been in his current one since 7 Apr 00 (almost 2 years). Unfortunately there's no cure and all the preventative medications don't seem to help him. He is under a neurologist's care. You might want to contact the National Migraine Foundation for their literature and a list of specialists in your area. Their email is www.headaches.org and phone 1888-643-5552. Best of luck to your son and you.
My 8 yr. old child also has headaches or has had headaches often. His father is allergic to MSG, monosodium glutamate which comes in all forms and is known by several names and comes in forms such as hydrolyzed/autolyzed protein, caseinate, carageenan, yeast extract/autolyzed yeast, soy sauce, textured protein, seasoned salt, whey protein concentrate, chicken base (soup base), bouillin/broth/stock. Almost any processed foods, potato chips or other snack foods with flavorings, many dressings, soups, spaghetti sauces, rice mixes, any boxed food mixes have MSG in them. You would be surprised. MSG is a known cause of severe headaches. It is not just found in chinese food. Ingredients that say "other flavorings" and "spices" can have MSG. I look for boxes and soup that say no MSG. Be careful when it says "no MSG added" that can still mean there is MSG. Anyway I have been very careful what I feed my son and have found that his headaches have been reduced significantly. Check for other allergies also if you have not already. Good luck.
Yes, I do think he should go to school, even though he might be a bit out of sorts. The news about the scan is encouraging, particularly because of the amount of the brain it can image. With some judicious experimentation with medicine, he'll likely obtain some relief. It does sound like he is in good hands. I am not qualified to suggest additional treatment options, so I won't address that matter.
Thanks Doctor.
My son made today the brain scan and everything was absolutely normal. The problem is that he still has the headaches - for 9 days now, and sometimes to intense. He also says that strong light sometimes makes it worst.
The neurologist insists that it is most probable a migraine. Some questions:
1) Do you agree that can really be a migraine? Do you know cases like this? Is the brain scan conclusive enough? He is going to make the EEG next Friday. What shall we do next?
2) He is taking only Paracetamol (analgesic) but produces no relief at all. We also apply a cool gel on forehead, but the result isn't noticeable. Can you recommend any relief terapy?
3) The doctor says it is better he goes to school because he might get distracted. But for one week now he hasn't gone, because he doesn't feel confortable and besides we have to take him to hospital to many times. Me and my wife make all we can (we both work, kind of busy) to take him out for walks and play and in those moments he looks very happy - a bit too euphoric I should say - although the pain is still there. Do you think he should go to school?
I look forward to your kind answers.
PC
It is certainly a good sign from a psychological point of view - i.e., there's no overt indication that his headaches have a psychogenic origin. You are in the right domain by seeking evaluation in pediatric neurology.
Thanks for your prompt reply.
There's migraine in my family: commom migraine have my aunt - sister of my mother, and my mother (the boy's grandma) also suffers from some sort of migraine. Could this pass into my boy although I've never had it so far?
Another question: besides having the symptoms I described earlier, and considering the situation, my boy has been coping very well: he has good school performance, laughs, plays, run, rides the bike and swims just like every other day.
I hope this is good sign, is it?
Thanks
It would be unusual for migraine syndrome to take this form, but you are certainly doing the correct thing by pursuing the matter medically. Is there a family history of migraine? If the EEG is negative or inconclusive, it will likely be worthwhile to have a brain scan performed as well. You are on the right track.