Pediatric Migraine Headaches

Many parents don’t realize that children can have migraine headaches just like adults. Headaches are a common symptom among both children and adults, but some symptoms indicate that a visit to the pediatric neurologist is needed:

1. A headache accompanied by nausea or vomiting
2. Sudden withdrawal from play
3. Inconsolable crying due to the pain of the migraine

“Lack of sleep can be a trigger for migraine headaches. All children, like adults, should get eight hours of sleep each night. During sleep, the brain continues to work by imprinting new memories, which is why it’s so important for children to get a good night’s rest,” said Carlos Lastra, MD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurology at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital.