When people hear the word migraine, they often picture an adult lying in a dark room. But migraine doesn’t just affect adults—it can begin during childhood, and it’s one of the leading causes of missed school days, sports practices, family activities, and social events.
As a pediatric headache specialist, one of the most common things I hear from parents is:
“My child looks perfectly healthy, but these headaches are taking over our lives.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Migraine Is a Brain Disorder
Migraine is not simply a headache. It is a neurological condition in which the brain becomes unusually sensitive to internal and external stimuli.
Children may experience:
- Moderate to severe headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Dizziness
- Motion sickness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Mood changes before or after an attack
Some children may not even complain of severe head pain. Instead, they may develop stomach pain, dizziness, or simply want to sleep.
What Triggers Migraine?
While every child is different, common triggers include:
- Dehydration
- Skipping meals
- Poor sleep
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal changes
- Excessive screen time
- Intense physical exertion without proper fueling
- Certain foods in susceptible individuals
Learning your child’s unique triggers is an important part of treatment.
The Good News
Most children improve dramatically with the right combination of education, healthy habits, and individualized medical care.
Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle optimization
- Hydration and nutrition strategies
- Sleep improvement
- Stress management
- Physical activity
- Supplements when appropriate
- Prescription medications when needed
- School accommodations
- Advanced therapies for more severe cases
Our Philosophy
At the Jimenez-Sanders Headache & Brain Center, we don’t just focus on reducing headaches.
We focus on building healthier brains.
Our goal is to help children:
- Miss fewer school days
- Participate confidently in sports and activities
- Sleep better
- Feel more energetic
- Improve concentration and academic performance
- Gain confidence in managing their migraines
Because every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and grow without headaches standing in the way.
View our Brain Optimization Programs to learn more about how we can help pediatric patients.
