How to Treat a Child's Migraine

Migraines are painful headaches that can occur in a small percentage of children. If your child does get migraines, you are going to want to figure out ways to give them relief from the pain that they feel during a migraine.

Instructions

1. Speak to your doctor about ways that you can treat your child's migraine. This is especially important since some migraine medications are not recommended for use on children.

2. Give them an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide some relief for the child.

3. Ask your doctor for a prescription. There are certain medications that can be prescribed that can prevent your child from having a migraine. A doctor may give the child antidepressants or antihistamines as a way to stop the migraines.

4. Allow the child to rest. When a migraine occurs, take her into a quiet and dark room. Let her lay down until the migraine passes, it may take only 15 minutes to half an hour for her condition to improve.

5. Watch the child's diet. There are certain foods that are known to bring about migraines. Common migraine triggers are chocolate, cheese, hot dogs and soda.

6. Keep their stress level low. A highly stressed child is going to have more episodes of migraines.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child suffers from migraines at night, your pediatrician may recommend a sedative to help the child sleep.

• If nausea accompanies the migraine, a doctor can prescribe something to settle the child's stomach as well. Migraines have a tendency to cause both nausea and vomiting.