I have a 8 yr old son having migraines for a year now,MRI & EEG tests clear, any advice?

Camilla - posted on 11/19/2009

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Jennifer - posted on 11/19/2009

My 13yo has been having migraines since he was 7. The trigger for him seems to be sleep related. Also, regular eating, drinking and snacking seems to help. The neurologist suggests that frequent small meals and hydration are a huge help. She even gave him a note to take to school so that they allow him to have an occasional snack as needed and carry a gatorade around with him so that he doesn't get too thirsty. He takes Aleve and a migraine prescription when they get too bad, though. I know how hard it is to see your baby hurting like that. I would recommend seeing a pediatric neurologist that specializes in headaches. Texas Children's Hospital has a Headache Clinic that has been helpful. Hopefully you have access to something like that where you are.

Melanie - posted on 11/19/2009

Hi, when my now 8 yr old son was around 5 he started getting migraines. He had had one seizure when he was a baby due to a high fever, but around the age of 6 I really started pushing with his Dr to look into these migraines as one had made him pass out and twitch in our vehicle. very scary. The first things I thought to have looked into were allergies, blood iron level, and blood sugar levels as all of these can have an effect on migraines. I get them myself and the ones from my allergies are often the worst. It turned out my son DID have some allergies (although they were not the main culprit) He is hypoglycemic and anemic as well. Although I had always tried to maintain his blood sugars, I wasn't aware he was anemic at times. As soon as I put him on iron supplements... he hasn't had a severe migraine since. And even the few mild ones he has had were when the supplements had been stopped. It really pays to look into more than just the brain itself. In myself I know for a fact that I need to drink lots of water at all times or I will get a headache, and dehydration is a major cause of headache/migraine problems. I get my kids to drink a glass of water for each glass of milk or juice they drink in the day and take water bottles to school. Good luck with your boy and I help you find some success in helping him!

Kristen - posted on 11/19/2009

Quoting Laura :

For me it's bananas. There are tons of trigger foods you can find online. But I know for a fact bananas are a biggie.

I noticed he had a banana before going to bed the other night and he woke up during the night with the headache that lasted through the morning. I'm going to have to test this over the weekend. If he gets a headache then it will  prove it's a food trigger and I can focus on his diet.

Thanks for the advice

Kristen

Laura - posted on 11/19/2009

For me it's bananas. There are tons of trigger foods you can find online. But I know for a fact bananas are a biggie.

Felecia - posted on 11/19/2009

I have a son who just turned 13 yesterday he has battled with migraines since he was around 8 as well. He use to have them 1-4 times a month and sleep or throwing up seemed to be the only thing that helped. He has been seeing a neurologist since he was 8 every 6 months who has prescribed 2 medications for them. One is a preventive medicine called Inderal - he takes this in the morning and at bedtime. It seems to have helped him some. (This medicine is given to patients that seizures as well ) He also taked Maxalt at the onset of a migraine and it is to help ease the migraine so he wont throw up. I have kept a log of the migraines by charting the date, time headche starts, activities and food before headache, duration of headache and the severity on 1-10 scale - (take with you to next Dr. visit - maybe it will be helpful). My son is a very picky eater which his Dr.s and I feel contribute the most to his migraines. I have been told that dehydration, caffeine, chocolate could also contribute. I do notice that when he runs around alot and gets tired that he ususally gets a migraine as well. I was told that most boys grow out of them. I am still keeping my fingers crossed but he has been eating more new foods and so his migraines are less frequent he is down to 1 a month he has even gone a whole month without having one. I hope this helps you and your son. Good luck I wish you both the best!!! May God bless you both!

Jess - posted on 11/19/2009

oh yes! I forgot to mention the chiropractor. I will go to a chiro anyday before a physician!! Another big issue for parents to consider is the vaccinations. If you have not researched already--IT IS A MUST! A great place to start is mercola.com. At one point (before I boycotted physicians) a dr wanted me to put my 2 year old on an antibiotic for 1 full year for a urinary tract infection!!! Took her to the chiro instead an totally fixed the kidney issue:)

Joni - posted on 11/19/2009

If all the tests come back normal, Please don't rule out STRESS. Yes even children as young as 2 can have stress symptoms. (I started biting my nails at 2. 26 years later found out I have stress and anxiety syndromes) You will think what does he have to be stressed about. Talk to him. Take him to a relaxing place he likes and just talk. Find out about Bullies at school, maybe nervous about his classwork or tests. Just an idea we as parents may not think about being he is so young. Take Care.

Jamie - posted on 11/19/2009

I would recommend taking him to a chiropractor...my son (started having them at 8) and myself had migraines since college. Tried everything that conventional medicine advised, went to eye doctor, did food journals, etc. After going to our chiropractor we both are headache free and our allergies are almost non-exsistant! Once, I started getting a migraine (and I loose my perhiphal vision) and went right in to get adjusted and when I left - it was completely gone!! Our family swears by him!! Make sure to go to a good and reputable one just like any doctor - some are better than others. Best of luck!

Jess - posted on 11/19/2009

be certain that he does not eat any preservatives or dyes in his food. Go organic. Get rid of all fragrance--laundry detergent, harsh cleaning supplies, no air fresheners, no plugins, no perfumes-have allergy testing done, esp if it is with a doc that practices integrated medicane

April - posted on 11/19/2009

I totally understand My son has had migraines since he was six but were normal til bout 3 years ago. Then they started coming every week, neurologist says this is rather normal and this isn't an over abundance of headaches. We finally found out caffeine was one of his triggers took him completely off not even a small coke, headaches stopped we were ecstatic,6 months we went no headaches. We go for check up and dr says wean him off topomax that he is on daily little at a time but to wait a week to start. 2 days later he grabs eye at diner screams and runs to bathroom to be sick. we redid all tests (MRI,MRA visual fields tests) Neurologist is baffled, Ophthalmologist is baffled, we dont have a clue no meds are working. Meanwhile he can barely see how of right eye and is using magnifying glass to read textbook. Headache has been a constant for 5 weeks now this poor kid is suffering and drs say we dont know.

Eva - posted on 11/19/2009

Lack of sleep can trigger migraines . I myself suffer from them and mine are triggered by MSG( monosodium gluconate) which is a preservative in foods. You should keep a food log and see if you can pinpoint what it is. Eva

MarJo - posted on 11/19/2009

My daughter sometimes would pass out and as you did she had all the test with a clean bill of health. They recommended the neurologist too.For awile it was happening everyday.she decided to go to a chiropractor for a pain she had in her back one day and after he adjusted her she stopped passing out.I dont understand it ,but it seemed to work.

Rana - posted on 11/19/2009

Seek Accupunture!!....... Ins. will most likely cover it, it covered us 100%! My son had child migranes for 4 years, we did the drs, MRI, EEGs, meds, and nothing worked. He is now migrane free, after just a few sessions !!! DOnt let the needles scare you, it can be done with lazer light.... .. Make sure they get plenty of water all day long, and avoid artificial sweeteners.

Kelly - posted on 11/18/2009

Have you taken him to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialst? it could be something in his sinuses....or even tonsils....good luck....I will keep you in my prayers.

Nakita - posted on 11/18/2009

I had migranes for as long as my mom could remeber, Everything from diet excerise lighting sleeping habits and stress trigger them. My eeg and MRIs have always been clear. The only thing you can do is take a calendar and mark the days your son has a migraine and the duration of it. Take it to a different neruologist and show him it. I ended up taking a drug called innoprein daily to prevent them and one called frova to lighten them when I did get one. It makes a huge difference and i which I hadnt wait till i was 16 to do that, I missed so much of my childhood because of them. If you want to go a natural route try changing the amount of sleep he gets illiminate all caffeen and minimize sugars, also have him sleep with a light on and music playing. On sunny days were sunglasses and same for when it snows. dont let him take naps during the day even if tired and if he wears glasses get the prescription renewed. thats my experience.

Frankie - posted on 11/18/2009

This might sound simple, but have you had his teeth and jaw looked at? Does he grind his teeth when he sleeps? Or maybe his jaw pops sometimes? He could have TMJ or just a basic dental problem like grinding or a problem tooth.

Leilani - posted on 11/18/2009

I have had migraines since grade 5, I tried to find the triggers but it was so inconsistent, I did find that MSG, Monosodium glutamate was a major one but other than that, it was hard to narrow down. My Aunt had them and she told me it was hereditary, I accepted that and assumed I would have to suffer of them for the rest of my life. She sent me a book, I couldn't read because it felt like it triggered them. She sent me an article on Hypoglycemia and migraines...I didn't listen. Then after being on medications, the ones that slow the blood down...the side effects were worse than the migraine, and Toradol...worked like a charm...no side effects...no pain....but as time passed I learned harsh things about it. I suppose my doctor found it to be acceptable because I only had approximately 4 migraines a month. I had learned from a friend that did paperwork in the Hospital that Toradol was one that was given when people were taken off of morphine...pretty strong. I talked to another doctor and he said I was too young to be on Toradol. I was 30 and have been taking Toradol for years and years. Then it happened...I got a migraine that never went away. I was bed ridden, diahrea, no energy, sweating, I tried things like chiropractor, massage therapy, reiki, acupuncture (I went into shock both times that I tried that), 2 different antidepressants -to lower the seratonin, was scheduled for CT scan. I was giving up, I was told it was all in my head. Then my gaurdian angel recommended a naturopath. The naturopath was the first to diagnose me and tell me that he would heal me. After months of treatments, one major one was a Total detox, I finally got relief. My energy took another 3 months to get back to normal and I couldn't stop my hands from shaking. It effected my liver, my heart and thyroid. The answer....the Cure....was not triggers but balancing my food...preventing Hypoglycemia. My naturopath believes in the ZONE diet where you balance protein with carbohydrates. I went from 4 migraines a month to one a year. I won't ever take heavy medication ever again...I take homeopathic remedies (no side effects), use cold compress, massage, MIGRACELL (dermamed) a cream eat and sleep if one comes on. I hope this helps, I have to help someone with my experience. I used to think it was stress, food I ate or didn't eat, lack of sleep or inconsistent sleep, now I see a bigger picture...Good luck.

Amanda - posted on 11/18/2009

My 8 year old was having migraines for months. Took her to the doctor for test and they said nothing was wrong with her. Took her to the eye Dr. and now she has to wear glasses all the time.

Peggy - posted on 11/18/2009

some foods can cause migraines, take notice on what he eats before a migraine comes on.

Michelle - posted on 11/18/2009

Have you had his eyes checked? My son was having headaches and when I took him to the eye Dr. He said that my son had a condition called Ambliopia. It is a type of lazy eye, that doesn't turn in or out. He has a hard time seeing sertain things and the strain of it is what makes him have the headaches.

Michelle Otterbeck

Jody - posted on 11/18/2009

Have you spoke with a nutritionist? I know nutrition plays a huge role in all sorts of issues - from disease, behavior, health, etc. If not, I would highly recommend speaking to one. There have been lots of different studies done on nutrition - whole foods, fruits & veggies, they make a world of difference. I've been educating myself on this topic a lot lately and still learning. Have you heard of Juice Plus? This would possible help too.

Sheryl - posted on 11/18/2009

Try chiropractic care.. I suffered from migraines from as young as I can remember and by age 16 was on many prescription pills for them when I found a chiropractor I became med free and migraine free. Also took my son at age 14 months because of ear infections and he managed to avoid getting ear tubes.. the first appt is a consultation so take advantage of it and ask all your questions there are many chiropractors that deal strictly with children.. Good luck..

Heather - posted on 11/18/2009

I have had migraines since I was a kid...20 years. I am so sorry that your son is having them. Look up migraine triggers. There is a whole list, including yeast, dehydration, caffeine, sleep deprivation, too much sleep, fake sugar...etc. Also look to see when he is having them. I get them when I am stressed (yes kids have stress), weather changes, food/drink, sleep, etc. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Veronica - posted on 11/18/2009

My daughter was dealing with severe migraines that would give her seizures...I couldnt figure out what was wrong with her she started suddently having them when she was 5 years old, she was in the hospital of course same thing Dr's ordered MRI and EEG, and could not figure out what was wrong with her. The neuroligist prescribed barbetol to prevent the seizures..Suprisingly we found out all she needed was glasses..She couldnt see well..and I recommend no chocolate or caffeine for the migraines...I hope he feels better soon.

Laura - posted on 11/18/2009

My son had the same problem Kristin. it took 5 years of testing, diets and theories to figure it out. He had too much seritonin being released in his brain when he exerted himself. We went to a neurologist and he gave him something to take when he went to bed at night to keep the levels at a norm. Cant remember the name of the meds as it was 15 yrs ago, but after a few years of taking meds he outgrew it.

Ashley - posted on 11/18/2009

You might check his tonsils, or get him checked for sleep apnea. My daughter had sleep apnea and had horrible headaches b/c of it. I talked to her Dr and he said that the apnea causes migranes....so, she had her tonsils removed and headaches stopped and her sleep apnea went away and everything is fine.

Elisa - posted on 11/18/2009

My friend's son has a similar issue and she completely changed his diet to find allergies. Every time he eats something that has food colorings he gets migranes. You could see if maybe something he ate the day he gets a migrane triggers it.

Miranda - posted on 11/18/2009

my nephew was haveing the same problem all the test were coming back normal and come to find out he was getting them from sinus pressure

Emma - posted on 11/18/2009

SEND A URGENT MESSAGE TO DR. OZ i love that show and at least he can give you exactly what you need to do.

Jodi - posted on 11/18/2009

oh, I noticed the post under mine about the oxygen. Now that gives me migrains! Just shows, everyone is different.

Jodi - posted on 11/18/2009

Hi Kristen, I'm a 'gramma' now, but my daughter used to get migraines when she was little. They seemed to start after the divorce. As I'm sure you know, kids get stressed too. The Doc and I came to the conclusion that this was the problem. Back then there was no migraine meds safe for children. I don't know if there is a safe dose of Imitrex or something like that for kids now. However, my daughter never had seizures, but she did have 'night terrors'. Totally in a daze, eyes glazed over and screaming.

You probably know the common food triggers - chocolate, cheese, cheese nachos, cheese curls, crackers with cheese and/or spices, peanut butter, nuts. There's so much. I still get them constantly too. Mostly triggered by stress. Poor little guy, hope you find help for him soon.

Sharalyn - posted on 11/18/2009

Get him on migraine medication ASAP. Also seek a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th opinion. Because his symptoms are not normal. Please, please, find the source of your sons migrane headaches ASAP.

Firebird - posted on 11/18/2009

I get really bad migraines. I go to the chiropractor and make sure that I get enough calcium and magnesium in my diet (magnesium helps control blood flow, migraines and epileptic seizures have also been linked to Mg deficiency). Stress, sleep disturbances, fasting, hormones, bright or flickering lights, odors, cigarette smoke, alcohol, aged cheeses, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, nitrites, aspartame, and caffeine are known to trigger migraines.

Susann - posted on 11/18/2009

Keep plugging and try any doctor you can children are not supposed to have headaches - a seizure IS NOT NORMAL!

Nikki - posted on 11/18/2009

My husband got them really bad when he was in high school. They even had to admit him to the hospital with them. He has figured out some of the warnings and triggers for them. One warning is that his eyes start acting up. Some of the triggers are thing with MSG in them ( pepperoni, Salomi, etc.) and dairy products. He has pretty much grown out of them, but still has one every once in awhile. He just goes into a dark quiet room and sleeps it off.

Amy - posted on 11/18/2009

I had migrains as a child at about the same age....I didn't have any seizures though. Thankfully I outgrew mine....Glasses, Hvae you had his eyes checked? I have worn glasses since I was 4 but stopped wearing them( kids picked on me) around the age my headaches started. Doctor gave me Midrin for the upset tummy that came with the headaches. Chocolate and Caffiene were my supposed triggers. Hope this helps some

Michele - posted on 11/18/2009

obviuosely you have test to look into now. All good...food, chiari, Chiropractic, eyes. I would follow up all these thoughts. do you have any spinal history problems in family? if a chiropratic brings you relief i would find out why. We have scoliosis (three surguries ) the spine has a pressure ( like blood pressure) stress to it will and does creat horrible headaches. I have many a week as one of my children. eyes and spine and food are the three i would start with.

Jocelyn - posted on 11/18/2009

Could it be alergies that trigger these headaches? If its a headache . . . try massaging from the temples to the back of the head and the neck area. cold sliced cucumbers on the eye lids will sooth also.

Jenny - posted on 11/18/2009

look into chiari malformation my son has this and it sounds very much the same only shows up on specific mris of the brain stem and neck my son is looking toward his second surgery next month but then hopefully no more headaches,, its very important to look into this asap and rule it out not many docs think of this they just treat as migrains while the damage is being done.

Brenda - posted on 11/18/2009

I have a friend whose son (6 yr old) had migraines, so bad he would get sick to his stomach. They did the MRI and EEG tests on him and was normal. His doctor sent him to have his eyes tested. That was the problem. He now wears glassses and no more headaches. Also, allergies can cause migraines. When he gets a migraine, give him Gatorade.

Kelly - posted on 11/18/2009

Chiropractic adjustments help tremendously.

Sarah-Anne - posted on 11/18/2009

i had migraines from the time i was 10. some would last an hour others a week. i was given periactin and that helped a little. then after many doctors, test and food diaries, i had a blood test and found out it was lack of serotonin production. my not sleeping was what made the neuro think of a chemical imbalance. i got put on depakote er and haven't had but 1 or 2 migraines a year. Been off it completely after getting prego and haven't needed to go back on it yet.

Lisa - posted on 11/18/2009

My son has migraines also! We found out that certain food trigger his, and also lack of sleep, and if they don't eat properly (like missing meals)! My son can't have anything with all beef (like hotdogs) but if you buy the turkey beef combined it's fine! Chocolate is the worst, and bologna. Every kid is different! Keep a log of what he eats, it seemed to help us! Good luck!

Tina - posted on 11/18/2009

Hi Kristen

There's a lot of options to take a look at as you've noticed from all of these other posts. My experience with migraines and seizures was that chocolate triggered them. I even had trouble breathing. Avoiding chocolate has eliminated them for me. That may not be his trigger food, hopefully, though, you can pin point it if is food related. Many people are intolerant to wheat and corn also. In the meanwhile, though, a solution of one part peppermint oil, one part eucalyptus oil and two parts neutral oil (like almond or grapeseed) can be rubbed at the base of the head and up around the back of the ears; along with a little massage this can help with pain. I put mine in a little roll on bottle and can take it with me when i'm out. Sometimes the headaches will still require pain reliever but many times this will take care of it. But remember to be careful around the eyes, this can also be more diluted if it seems too strong.

Rhonda - posted on 11/18/2009

I have a daughter that started getting migraines when she was almost 3. She would be so bad that all she did was sleep. Would have to be on home IVs for 3-4 days. Took her to Dr. and Er numerous times. Finally took her to eye Dr. and found out she is legally blind in her left eye. she had to work so hard trying to see out of her good eye, she would strain and get a migraine. Also she cannot eat chocolate after 7 at night or she will wake up with a migraine. I know it is not fun having a child with Migraines at such a young age. Hope this helps you some.

June - posted on 11/18/2009

I never knew anyone that ever had a migraine except me.I had one in my lifetime as an adult.I went to the dr.he gave me something can't remember what,it's been a very long time ago.I haven't had one since.

Michelle - posted on 11/17/2009

I have migraines. Keep a food diary maybe you'll find a pattern. Keep him on a good sleep schedule see if that helps. Another trigger for me is my sinuses. So if he has any hay fever/ allergies or sinus issues that could be something to try to keep under control too. There are so many things that can trigger migraines it would be hard to say for how little I know of your situation. But food allergies, seasonal allergies, sinuses, stress, and lack of sleep are probably my worst triggers.

Sharie - posted on 11/17/2009

they told me my son's headaches was called cluster headaches.I know if i eat brown wiennies i get a migraine because of chemicals in them..try watching to see what foods he is eating for a couple of weeks and see if a certain type triggers the headache.



(to the person whose friend takes oxygen to help hunny use face mask with 10lts. or cut tank down to 8lts. anything above 8 is suppose to be on facemask. just some advice

Robin - posted on 11/17/2009

Quoting Kristen:kristen My son is now 28 but when he was younger he did the same thing and he even had spells where he would get very angry, the doctor ordered MRI and EEG  everything came back normal he said the same thing he would grow out of it.   We even had his eyes examined thinking maybe that would be the case. they were fine. He chaulk it up to GROWING PAINS, he said that some times there bodys grow to fast and it can be painful for them . we monitored him and in time they did get better.But you said he had a seisure my son never did that. I definitly would watch that  just because nothing showed up this time dosnt mean it want show up the next time. maybe its just to small for the MRI to pick up.I pray he gets better soon.God Bless. 

I have a 8 yr old son having migraines for a year now,MRI & EEG tests clear, any advice?

My 8 yr old son has had migraines 1-4 times a month for the past year. Some months better then others, but then he had seizure a few weeks back (lasted a few seconds) so we saw a neurologist who ordered a MRI and EEG. Test came back normal. The doc said he may never have another seizure, but these headaches are very concerning. He sleeps them off and I give Motrin. They come during all times of day and during the night. Anyone have kids with migraines and what are you doing for them? Have you found the triggers? Food, lack of sleep? Any advice is welcomed.