PEDIATRIC MIGRAINE: 5 THINGS PARENTS MUST KNOW
Pediatric migraine can be incredibly challenging - not just for the child, but for the whole family. Pediatric migraine affects children of all ages. In fact, it can begin as early as infancy. According to the American Migraine Foundation, around 10% of school-aged children and up to 28% of teens between the ages of 15 and 19 experience migraine attacks. Recognizing pediatric migraine symptoms early, along with securing appropriate school accommodations, providing emotional support, and teaching them skills to manage their migraine, can all make a significant difference in their quality of life.
Here are five key things parents must know about pediatric migraine:
MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS IN KIDS OFTEN LOOK DIFFERENT THAN IN ADULTS
Pediatric migraine symptoms can be tricky to spot - especially because they often look different from the migraine symptoms in adults. Understanding these differences can lead to a quicker, more accurate diagnosis and the right treatment, helping to significantly improve a child’s quality of life.
Both adults and children can experience head pain with migraine. In adults, the pain usually affects just one side of the head. However, in children, it’s more common to feel pain across the forehead, on both sides of the head, or even all over the head. [1]
Moreover, children are more likely to experience additional symptoms like nausea or abdominal pain. [2] Frequent complaints of abdominal pain, especially with a family history of migraine, could be a sign of abdominal migraine.
For example, common pediatric migraine symptoms include:
Head pain, often bilateral or across the forehead
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Pale skin
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or mood changes
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Difficulty focusing
Recognizing Pediatric Migraine When Children Can't Find the Words
Young children often have trouble expressing their migraine symptoms. Since they may not have the vocabulary to describe their pain accurately, they might express how they feel in more general terms or through their behavior.
To illustrate, here are some things a child might say:
“I feel sick” - indicating nausea or discomfort.
“My brain hurts” - referring to head pain.
“I want to lie down” - signaling fatigue, dizziness, or pain.
“Everything is too loud/bright” - showing sensitivity to light or sound.
For instance, here are some nonverbal signs a child may show:
Squinting at screens, sunlight, or bright lights — indicating light sensitivity.
Rubbing the head, neck, or eyes — suggesting discomfort or pain.
Resting the head on a desk or lying down unexpectedly — indicating fatigue, dizziness, or pain
Becoming unusually quiet, withdrawn, or irritable — showing mood changes often triggered by migraine attacks
Clutching the stomach or complaining of nausea without a clear cause — pointing to abdominal pain or nausea, both common migraine symptoms
Since younger children often lack the language to describe their symptoms, it is important for parents and caregivers to watch for subtle signs of distress. Tracking these symptoms and discussing them with the pediatrician can help with early diagnosis and treatment, which can make a significant difference in improving a child's quality of life.
2. GENETICS PLAYS A ROLE IN PEDIATRIC MIGRAINE
Migraine often runs in families. For example, over half of people with migraine have at least one close relative with the disorder. [3] Studies show that if one parent has migraine, their child has a 50% chance of developing it. Additionally, if both parents are affected, the likelihood rises to 75%. [4]
Some types of migraine have strong genetic connections. For example, familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), which causes temporary paralysis on one side of the body, is a rare form of migraine with specific genetic markers. Anyone with the genetic mutation for FHM can pass it on to their child.
Understanding your family's migraine history and the genetic connection can help parents spot pediatric migraine symptoms early. Start by asking relatives if they have migraine. If they say no, try digging deeper and ask if they ever experienced frequent headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, people don’t realize their symptoms were migraine-related, so these conversations might uncover an important genetic link. With this information, you can work with your child's doctor to get a faster, more accurate diagnosis and the right treatment sooner.
3. 504 ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEDIATRIC MIGRAINE CAN IMPROVE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
If migraine is interfering with your child’s education, then you may need to explore 504 accommodations for migraine at school. 504 accommodations help students with disabilities, including pediatric migraine, succeed in a school setting.
Under federal law, a student qualifies for 504 accommodations if migraine substantially limits daily activities such as learning, reading, concentrating, or communicating. [5]
For example, some 504 accommodations for migraine include:
Allowing breaks in a quiet, dark room during the school day.
Granting access to water and snacks.
Offering flexible deadlines for assignments and tests.
Reduced screen time or use of paper-based materials instead of electronic assignments.
Permission to wear sunglasses or noise-canceling headphones.
Use our step-by-step guide to request Section 504 accommodations for pediatric migraine and learn more about your child’s rights under Section 504.
4. PEDIATRIC MIGRAINE CAN WORSEN ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN
Living with migraine isn’t just physically painful - it can also affect a child’s mental and emotional health. This often leaves children with feelings of frustration, isolation, and sadness. [6] Recognizing this connection early is essential to supporting a child’s well-being.
In fact, research shows that migraine can increase the risk of developing or worsening anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. [6] Proactively screening children with migraine for anxiety and depression can help identify and address underlying mental health concerns.
Every child’s emotional response to migraine is unique. Some children may withdraw or seem sad and irritable. Others might act out, lose focus, or struggle in school. These behaviors can be signs of underlying anxiety or depression.
If a child receives a diagnosis for anxiety or depression, here are several treatment options to explore with their healthcare provider:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - helps children recognize and change negative thought patterns that may contribute to anxiety or depression, while also teaching coping strategies for managing stress and pain.
Relaxation techniques and meditation - techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness can reduce tension, promote relaxation, and ease both physical pain and emotional distress.
Talk therapy or counseling - talking with a counselor or therapist gives children a safe space to express their feelings, build resilience, and develop emotional regulation skills.
Medication - In some cases, medication may be necessary.
These tools not only address immediate challenges but also empower children to develop resilience and emotional well-being that will serve them throughout their lives.
Offering Emotional Support to Children with Migraine
“Reminding our kids that we believe them when they talk about their migraine symptoms can be one of the most powerful forms of support,” says Elizabeth Henry Weyher, the Executive Director of the Danielle Foundation, and a parent of two children with migraine.
Creating a safe environment where children can express how they feel—whether it’s about pain, fear, or frustration—helps reduce feelings of isolation and in turn helps to support their emotional health.
Here are a few powerful ways parents and caregivers can offer emotional support:
Listen with empathy and without judgment
Believe a child when they say they’re in pain
Provide reassurance but do not diminish their symptoms
Encourage open conversations about both physical and emotional symptoms
Involve teachers and healthcare providers to build a strong support system
Be their advocate at school, doctor’s office, etc.
Danielle’s Story: Why We Advocate for Mental Health Support for Children
At Migraine at School, our mission is deeply rooted in Danielle Byron Henry’s story. Danielle lived with severe chronic migraine from age 8 and died by suicide at 17. Her experience underscores the significant emotional toll of migraine and the need for mental health support alongside migraine care. Danielle’s legacy continues to inspire our work to support, educate, and advocate for awareness of migraine in kids.
5. MIGRAINE MANAGEMENT IS A LIFELONG SKILL
Helping children manage migraine isn’t just about finding the right medication—it’s about teaching skills that support their physical and emotional well-being. Migraine is a neurological disorder, and although some symptoms may change, learning to live well with migraine is a skill that can last into adulthood.
Building Routines for Children With Pediatric Migraine that Support Brain Health
Children with migraine often benefit from predictable daily routines. For example, this includes:
Maintaining consistent sleep and wake times (even on weekends)
Eating regular meals and snacks to stabilize blood sugar
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Limiting screen time, especially before bed
Engaging in daily movement or physical activity, even if gentle
These lifestyle habits can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in children.
Helping Children with Pediatric Migraine Recognize Prodrome Symptoms
As children grow older, it’s important to teach them to notice early signs of migraine attacks, also called migraine 'prodrome' symptoms. These might include:
Yawning or fatigue
Food cravings
Mood changes (like irritability or sadness)
Neck pain or stiffness
Light sensitivity
When kids learn to spot these early signs, they can use their migraine treatment plan to alleviate their symptoms or prevent the pain before it starts.
Pediatric Migraine Treatment Plan
Work with a child’s pediatrician to develop a personalized migraine treatment plan tailored to managing their attacks. This plan might include:
Earplugs
Sunglasses
Snacks
Water
Medication
Relaxation techniques like belly breathing, visualization, or guided meditations
A health plan
504 school accommodations
IEP
A personalized pediatric migraine treatment plan can empower children to manage attacks more confidently.
SUPPORTING PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH PEDIATRIC MIGRAINE
Pediatric migraine can feel isolating - for both children and their parents. Moreover, watching your child deal with the ups and downs of this neurological disorder can be difficult. However, you’re not alone in this journey. In fact, many families in our community are working hard to help their children thrive and live full, happy lives with migraine.
Join Our Free Parent Support Group
One way to find support is by joining our free, monthly Peer-to-Peer support group on Zoom. This group meets every third Tuesday of the month and gives you a safe, welcoming space to share your experiences, learn from other parents and feel understood.
Become a Migraine at School Ambassador
Another great way to get involved is by becoming a Migraine at School Ambassador. This 30-minute virtual training teaches you how to educate your schools and community about migraine disease. Plus, as an Ambassador, you’ll get printed materials, online training, access to a private Facebook group, and support from the Migraine at School team.
Pediatric migraine is complex, but with the right knowledge, tools, and support, parents can make a big difference in their child’s life. Recognizing migraine symptoms early, knowing family’s migraine history, advocating for school accommodations, supporting the child’s emotional health, and teaching children how to manage migraine can help children thrive. And remember - as parents, you are not alone in this. The Migraine at School community is here to support you along the way.
