|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Complex Migraines in Children

Research shows that between 5 and 10 percent of children and adolescents suffer from migraines; some experience complex (also called complicated) migraines. While many subside by the time a child reaches adulthood, a complex migraine can none-the-less be terrifying---for children and parents---as well as debilitating.

  1. About Migraines & Complex Migraines

    • Migraine is a neurological disease with many symptoms, including significant head pain that lasts for less than an hour up to several days. Sufferers might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sensitivity to light, sound and smells during their migraine attacks. Some, though not most, patients have auras---changes in vision, sensation or perception that can precede head pain. These are called classic migraines; those without auras are called common migraines.

      According to the International Headache Society, a migraine becomes complex when neurological problems such as muscle weakness, vision loss, confusion, or difficulties speaking accompany a common or classic migraine. There are several types of complex migraines that are specific to children.

    Basilar-Type Migraine

    • This migraine has severe aura-like symptoms that can include (but are not limited to) blurred, dimming or even complete loss of vision; vertigo; ringing of the ears; slurred speech; trouble thinking clearly; confusion; and possible loss of consciousness. The auras can last from less than one hour to three days. While basilar-type migraines can afflict people of all ages, it is most common in female adolescents; the frequency of these migraines lessens as teens grow into their 20s and 30s.

    Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo

    • This migraine-related condition afflicts only children, typically toddlers and preschoolers. The main symptom is dizziness; patients might also experience nausea or vomiting. Often, these migraines do not have accompanying head pain. A child is not diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo until he or she has suffered at least five episodes. Many children who suffer from these go on to develop common or classic migraines.

    Confusional Migraine

    • These migraines cause confusion lasting from several minutes to up to a day. Additionally, patients might experience impaired speech and motor skills, nausea, and head pain. Head trauma can cause some confusional migraines; typically, these migraines occur only in younger (prepubescent) children.

    Hemiplegic Migraine

    • This rare migraine often afflicts children, usually subsiding once they're adults. There are two forms: Familial Hemiplegic Migraine, in which there is a family history of the migraines; and Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine, in which there is no family history. Symptoms of both can include an aura lasting several days or weeks; sensitivity to light or sound; partial paralysis; fever; confusion; headache; loss of coordination; nausea; and vomiting.

    Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

    • Symptoms of this rare migraine include severe double-vision in addition to recurring pain in one part of the head. Nerves along the cranium can become partially, or even fully, paralyzed, causing drooping eyelids or even eye paralysis for up to six weeks. If a patient suffers many ophthamoplegic migraines, the nerves could become permanently damaged. Typically, these migraines appear in children and adolescents.

    Warnings

    • Because many symptoms of complex migraines resemble those of a stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, or other serious or life-threatening disorders, the National Headache Foundation and the International Headache Society advise immediate medical attention at the onset of symptoms. Additionally, the organizations warn that some medications which are appropriate for classic or common migraines may cause stroke or other serious complications in complex migraines. A proper diagnosis is essential before beginning any treatment plan.

Childrens Health - Related Articles