Migraine Headaches in Children & Adolescents

Most common cause of headaches in children are viral infections such as colds or flu. Children and adolescents may also suffer headaches and tension-type headaches. Brain tumors can cause headaches, but these tumors are rare.

Besides a headache, brain tumors almost always cause problems with coordination, balance, speech, vision and gait.

A migraine is usually a headache, throbbing, with nausea. Pounding or pulsing pain usually begins in the forehead, on one side of the head or around the eyes. Any kind of movement or activity seems to worsen the pain. Nausea and vomiting are common.

Much as 5% of children attending primary school have migraine headaches. During the years of secondary education about 20% of adolescents suffer from migraines.

The type headaches migraines seem to be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin has many functions in the body and can also have an effect on blood vessels. When serotonin levels are elevated, blood vessels constrict, ie become narrower.