Treating a Migraine

Medications
Once a migraine has begun, several types of medication can alleviate the symptoms.

Analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are helpful pain relievers for children and adolescents. Antiemetics will stop the nausea and vomiting. Based on a doctor's assessment of an individual patient, a sedative might also be prescribed to help a child rest. Young children who experience very frequent migraine attacks, which interfere with normal school and other activities, might be given preventive medications, such as cyproheptadine, propranolol, tricyclics or calcium-channel blockers. (There seems to be a link between children taking aspirin and their developing Reye's Syndrome, a rare disorder that children and teenagers can get while they are recovering from childhood infections, such as chicken pox, flu, and other viral infections. Reye's symptoms include nausea, severe vomiting, fever, lethargy, stupor, restlessness, and possibly delirium. Therefore, aspirin is not a recommended analgesic for children and adolescents.)

Teens with migraines are also given analgesics, antiemetics and sedatives to relieve symptoms. For adolescents who experience occasional migraines without an aura, abortive medications might be prescribed: ergotamine tartrate and caffeine (Cafergot®); a combination medication (Midrin®); and triptans (Imitrex®, Zomig®, Amerge¨ and Maxalt®). Teens whose migraines are more frequent might be given preventive medications, such as propranolol, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium-channel blockers, or anticonvulsants, such as divalproex sodium (Depakene®, Depakote®). Please note: none of these medications is approved for migraine treatment in children. However, research in this area is ongoing.

Treatment Without Medication
In addition to medication, many headache sufferers find relief in biofeedback and relaxation techniques.

Relaxation techniques - such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation or relaxation to music - can be very effective in alleviating a migraine headache. Instruction for these techniques is available on audio tapes and CDs, and some record shops and book stores carry them. (Some are available through the online "NHF Bookstore.")

Biofeedback. Painless sensors connected to your body monitor changes in several physical functions - including muscle tension, blood pressure and heart rate - and display feedback on a computer screen. While being monitored, a child or teen tries his or her preferred approach to relaxation and watches the screen to see if the technique produces the desired physiological changes...such a reducing tension and alleviating a headache. A biofeedback therapist also helps a kid learn to recognize the signs of tension, and teaches him or her the physical skills that can release and control the tension.