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Student Migraine Problems |
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Recurring headaches occur in 38% to 83% of children 7
to15 year of age
Recurring headaches occur in 1% to 37% of children 3 to 6 years of age
Migraine headaches occur in approximately 1.2% to 11% of children.
Headaches in children is a far more serious problem that
most people realize. The truth is that most kids under eighteen have headaches
several times a year, typically either tension headaches or migraines,
though children certain cannot be considered immune to cluster
headaches. The frequency of migraines rises among females once they
enter puberty; far more teenaged girls experience migraines than
teenaged boys. This disparity is usually linked to estrogen changes the
begin with the onset of menstruation.
There are several warning signs that indicate that migraines may be a problem.
A child need not be complaining of more than a few of these in order to be
concerned about the possibility that he is suffering from migraines. Just
one or two may be enough to warrant further investigation. School is certainly
an environment that is conducive to several of these symptoms and so even
if a student does complain of two or three of these that also doesn’t
necessarily mean that migraines are the cause.
Be aware not only of a student complaining about things, but also the consistency
and the context. For instance, if student exhibits signs of nausea and must
leave the room suddenly to vomit, it could be a sign of a migraine, or
it could just be a math test next period. A student suffering from
migraine often exhibits personality changes. This may be unusual in
elementary school, but once a student makes it to the upper levels of
education, you can pretty much guarantee personality changes. Be
especially attuned to statements by the student indicating that the
severity of the current headache is the worst he’s ever experienced.
This is definitely something be concerned about. If the student is
running a fever of complains about a stiff neck, a migraine could very
possibly be the root the cause.
It’s very important for teachers to take an active role in identifying
students who may be suffering from migraines. Headaches, especially migraines,
can seriously undermine the entire school experience. In addition to affecting
the student’s academic performance, headaches may also curtail the
student’s desire and ability take part in activities and extracurricular fun.
Headaches may even be a sign of more serious trouble, from depression to a tumor.
Teachers also present a secondary authority source that may be less
threatening to the student that family members; she may be more
comfortable confiding about a history of headaches in you than in her
parents.
Finally, there are some things a teacher can do to help students who suffer from
headaches. They won’t necessarily relieve the pain and they certainly won’t
solve the problem, but they could help and they certainly won’t hurt.
Children and teens should drink at least 4 to 8 glasses of fluid a day so if your
school policy allows permits, allow students to bring water bottles to your class.
It is recommended that children get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night so
why not help them achieve that by giving them a little extra time to get
their homework done before going home, offer extra encouragement for
them to get sleep.
Certain foods such processed meats, cheeses, caffeine, chocolate can trigger a
migraine so if you notice your student who is suffering from headaches is
constantly ingesting some or all of these, advise him to abstain.
Stress and uncertain schedules often trigger migraines, so if you notice the
student is taking on too much, arrange a conference with his parents to discuss
the possibility that rearranging his schedule may contribute to lessening his
headaches.
Believe the child when he complains of headaches and send him to the clinic.
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