Migraines in Children: What Parents Need to Know

SOOTHIE HOODIE
Aug 27, 2025
4 min read

A teen holds her head, overwhelmed by a headache during studies.

When most people think of migraines, they picture stressed-out adults missing work or lying in a dark room for hours. But here’s something many parents don’t realize: children can get migraines too—and they can be just as debilitating, if not worse.

Migraines aren’t just “bad headaches.” They’re a neurological condition that can affect kids’ ability to learn, play sports, enjoy activities, and even attend school. Understanding how migraines show up in children, what causes them, and how to manage them can make a huge difference in your child’s quality of life.

How Migraines Look Different in Kids

While migraines are the same disease in both adults and children, they often show up differently. For example:

Children’s migraines usually affect both sides of the head, while adults tend to experience them on just one side.
Attacks are often shorter in children, but can still be severe enough to disrupt daily activities.
Many kids also experience other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, or even stomach pain.

For some children, these migraines are so disabling that they miss school, sports, or time with friends.

How Common Are They?

Migraines can affect kids of all ages—even infants. Here’s a breakdown:

About 2.5% of children under 7 experience migraines.
By age 10, that number rises to 5%.
Roughly 10% of kids ages 5 to 15 are affected.
Nearly 1 in 3 teenagers (28%) will experience migraines.

Interestingly, before puberty, migraines impact boys and girls equally. But once adolescence hits, girls are more likely to experience them.

What Causes Migraines in Children?

Migraines are now understood as a neurological condition rather than just changes in blood flow. During an attack, the brain releases chemicals like serotonin that trigger pain and inflammation.

Genetics matter, too — about 60–70% of kids with migraines have a parent or sibling who gets them. While not every child with a family history will develop migraines, the risk is higher.

Often, migraines happen randomly, though certain triggers can set them off.

Common Migraine Triggers in Children

Not every migraine has a clear cause, but certain triggers are especially common in kids and teens. These include:

Stress: Academic pressure, extracurricular activities, or family issues can bring on migraines.
Dietary triggers: Aged cheeses, pizza, lunch meats, hot dogs, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, and foods containing MSG or nitrates.
Lack of sleep: Kids need about 8+ hours of good sleep. Poor sleep patterns often make migraines worse.
Hormonal changes: Menstruation can trigger migraines in adolescent girls.
Skipping meals: Missing breakfast or other meals may lead to an attack.
Weather changes or travel: Sudden shifts in barometric pressure or motion sickness can trigger migraines.
Medications: Some asthma medications, ADHD stimulants, or even birth control pills can play a role.

Keeping a headache diary can help parents and doctors spot patterns and identify triggers.

How Doctors Diagnose Migraines in Kids

Diagnosis often starts with a detailed history—when the headaches happen, how long they last, what symptoms occur, and whether certain foods, activities, or stressors are connected.

Doctors also perform a physical and neurological exam. Sometimes, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to rule out other conditions.

Treatment and Management

The good news? With the right approach, most kids can manage migraines effectively. Treatment usually combines lifestyle adjustments with medication when needed.

Lifestyle habits that help:

Getting enough sleep each night
Eating balanced meals and not skipping breakfast

Staying hydrated
Exercising regularly
Managing stress through activities, counseling, or relaxation techniques

Medications and supplements:

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen (when approved by a doctor)
Prescription medications such as triptans for severe cases
Preventive options (like magnesium or amitriptyline) for frequent migraines

When to See a Doctor

If your child has recurring headaches, it’s always worth checking in with their healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention if headaches come with concerning symptoms such as:

Vomiting
Stiff neck or severe neck pain
Vision changes
Confusion or balance issues
Sudden, severe headache
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Headache following an injury

Helping Your Child Cope

Supporting a child with migraines involves more than medical interventions; emotional support is vital. Here are ways parents can help:

Educate: Teach your child about migraines. Explain that many kids experience similar issues and that they are not alone.
Create a Calm Environment: During a migraine episode, offer a quiet, dark space for rest. Reducing sensory stimuli can help alleviate discomfort.
Encourage Open Communication: Let your child discuss their feelings regarding migraines. Open dialogues can ease anxiety related to their condition.
Involve Them in Management: Empower your child to identify triggers and develop coping strategies. This fosters a sense of control and helps them feel more involved in their health.

Eye-level view of a child resting in a dark room during a migraine attack — A child resting in a dark room to alleviate migraine symptoms

Final Thoughts

Migraines may be common in children, but they don’t have to take over your child’s life. By learning to spot symptoms early, understanding triggers, and working with your child’s healthcare provider, you can help reduce the impact migraines have on their health and happiness.