A migraine is a neurological disorder. It can show in different forms, often with a moderate or severe headache. Many migraine patients also have symptoms of nausea or light sensitivity.

Unfortunately, yes. About 1 in 10 school-aged children have migraines. Often it is undiscovered because migraine presents differently in children than it does in adults. For children, the main symptoms often include stomach pain and nausea. If you are worried about your child’s symptoms, it is best to see your GP or a specialist.

Specialists recommend to keep a migraine or headache diary because it helps to:

1. Spot patterns and potential triggers
2. Doctors to assess which strategies help
3. Support the right diagnosis & treatment plan
4. Your child to gain a sense of control 

For more information, check out our blog about migraine diaries. 

Psychological therapies (e.g. relaxation, hypnosis, coping skills training, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioural therapy) may help young people manage pain and its disabling consequences. Especially cognitive behavioural therapy may reduce pain frequency in children with migraine.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, also called CBT, is a talking therapy. CBT teaches you how emotions, thoughts, behaviours, and physical sensations are interlinked. CBT is proven to be an effective way to prevent migraine in children.