Child Migraine Symptoms You Should Know

Kids don’t always say they have a migraine. Instead, they show a mix of physical signs and behavior changes. Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of worry and help you get the right care faster.

What a Migraine Looks Like in a Child

Unlike adults, children often have shorter migraine attacks, usually lasting 30 minutes to a few hours. The pain is usually throbbing and can be on one side of the head, but some kids feel it all over. Look for these clues:

• Sudden, intense head pain that makes the child want to lie down in a dark room.
• Nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach during the headache.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia). The child may cover their eyes or ask for quiet.
• Changes in mood or behavior – they might become irritable, tearful, or unusually sleepy.
• Visual disturbances like flashing lights, zig‑zag patterns, or temporary loss of vision.

These signs can appear alone or together. If you notice a pattern – a headache that repeats with the same triggers – it’s worth talking to a pediatrician.

Common Triggers and How to Reduce Them

Kids often get migraines from things that are easy to change. Keep a simple headache diary for a week: note what the child ate, how much sleep they got, and any stressful events. Common triggers include:

• Skipping meals or drinking too much caffeine (yes, soda counts).
• Not getting enough sleep or having an irregular bedtime.
• Bright or flickering lights – think computer screens, video games, or fluorescent lighting.
• Strong smells like perfume, cleaning products, or certain foods.
• Stress from school, sports, or family issues.

When you spot a trigger, try to adjust it. Offer regular snacks, keep bedtime consistent, dim the lights during screen time, and create a calm space for the child to relax.

Most importantly, stay calm yourself. Kids can sense anxiety, and that can make a migraine feel worse. Offer a quiet, cool room, a cool cloth on the forehead, and gentle reassurance. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen work for many children, but always follow the dose instructions and check with your doctor first.

If migraines happen more than once a month, interfere with school, or cause severe vomiting, get a professional evaluation. A pediatric neurologist can rule out other conditions and suggest preventive strategies, such as lifestyle tweaks or prescription medication.

Remember, recognizing child migraine symptoms early helps you act fast and reduces the impact on daily life. Keep an eye on patterns, manage triggers, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice when needed. Your child’s comfort and health are worth the extra attention.