“Why does my son get sporadic migraines?”
My son is 15 and every so often he gets debilitating migraines. These pains are so severe that they put him to bed because nothing will help with them. Why does he get sporadic migraines?
3 Answers
Episodic migraines can be genetic or isolated and can happen in teen years up to 40 years of age and later. It can convert into daily headaches if not controlled well. Make sure you do not have CNS vascular pathology or Cx disk issues and no cranial nerve impeachment. Consider Ca Channel Blocker like Topamax 25 to 50 mg a day and avoid narcotics as well. Avoid NSAIDs like Tylenol and Advil, they do not relieve headaches.
Many reasons for headaches and most aren’t migraines. Go get an appointment with a neurologist.
Migraine headaches are typically hereditary. The cause of migraines is not completely understood, but the theory is that there is a hypersensitivity to certain environmental triggers that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the tissues surrounding the brain. It’s almost like an allergic reaction in the brain. Common triggers include certain foods, smells, bright sunlight, stress, oversleeping, not enough sleep, too much caffeine, stress, and hormones. Often in children, eating foods containing nitrites will trigger a migraine. Nitrites are found in bottled dressings and dips(ranch dressing) , pepperoni, deli meats and hotdogs. Nitrite free versions of these foods are now available. A regular sleep schedule and avoiding energy drinks and caffeinated sodas can also help. There are great medications available for migraines, and even some herbal supplements that can help. Talk to his doctor about treatment options.
