Parents often ask me:
“My child gets migraines. Should they stop playing sports?”
In most cases, the answer is no.
In fact, the right kind of exercise can become one of the most powerful tools for improving migraine over time.
Why Exercise Helps the Brain
Regular physical activity has been shown to:
- Improve blood flow to the brain
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve sleep quality
- Lower stress hormones
- Increase natural endorphins
- Improve mood
- Enhance cognitive function
- Reduce migraine frequency in many people
Exercise is truly brain medicine.
Why Some Young Athletes Get More Migraines
Although exercise is healthy, certain factors surrounding sports can increase migraine risk, including:
- Dehydration
- Skipping meals before practice
- Inadequate recovery after intense workouts
- Poor sleep
- Heat and humidity
- Overtraining
- Stress from competition
- Low energy availability (not eating enough to support activity)
Often, it’s not the sport itself—it’s everything around it.
The Athlete’s Brain Checklist
To help reduce migraine attacks, encourage your young athlete to:
- Drink water consistently throughout the day.
- Eat a balanced meal or snack before exercise.
- Refuel with protein and carbohydrates after activity.
- Prioritize adequate sleep.
- Warm up and cool down properly.
- Avoid sudden changes in training intensity.
- Listen to their body and rest when needed.
These simple habits can make a meaningful difference.
Should Children with Migraine Play Sports?
Absolutely—when medically appropriate.
Regular movement supports physical health, emotional well-being, confidence, and long-term brain health. With the right treatment plan and healthy routines, many children with migraine can safely participate in the sports they love.
When to See a Pediatric Headache Specialist
Seek medical evaluation if your child:
- Has headaches more than four days per month
- Misses school because of headaches
- Frequently stops sports due to headaches
- Needs pain medication often
- Has worsening or unusual headache symptoms
- Experiences headaches after a concussion
- Has headaches that interfere with everyday life
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference.
Helping Young Brains Thrive
At the Jimenez-Sanders Headache & Brain Center, our mission extends beyond treating migraine. We help children build healthy habits that support lifelong brain health—so they can learn, compete, play, and thrive with confidence.
Whether your child is an aspiring athlete or simply enjoys being active, our goal is to help them stay in the game while protecting their developing brain.
View our Brain Optimization Programs to learn more about how we can help pediatric patients.
