Headaches/Migraines - at 6 years old

[nevaehsmom327]

DD Went to be on her own pretty early last night (like 7:30), which is rare for her. But, I let her sleep. As I was putting DSD to bed, I walked by DDs room and heard her whining (a painful whine) so I went in to check on her.When I went in she was clutching her head and crying in paid. She said her head hurt. I asked where and she said "EVERYWHERE!!" She drank some water and I went and fished for some medicine she could take. When I got back she was crying still. It was pretty obvious that I had seen this pain before....with migraines. So I asked her, does it hurt when you look into the light? Or when you open your eyes? And she replied yes. So I then asked, does it hurt when there's loud noise? Again, she replied yes....so after a little battle of trying to get her to take her medicine, which she ended up not doing, I finally got her back to bed. She was up a few more times before I fell asleep around 11. I feel TERRIBLE for her. I know what it's like to be handicapped by a migraine.

So, I guess my question is, can a 6 year old really get migraines? Is there something I can give her to help her be relieved of them?

Thanks in advance ladies.

[camilla]

I don't know if 6 is too young but I would def take her to the ped for a visit. I was 11 when I got my first migraine.

[elizac]

It's possible. Other possibilities: starting flu, cold, being dehydrated, too much V candy, very tired, etc.. I would see if it repeats a lot and try to figure out the cause.

[nevaehsmom327]

I guess that's one thing I didn't mention above, this is recurring. This is probably the fourth or fifth time in a matter of two months she's had these headaches.

[supermommy]

I would bring her in to be safe, have a scan done. Migraines are uncommon for that age and should be taken seriously.

[merrr]

I'd take her in Amy. Not to freak you out... I'm a bit concerned that it could be something more...

[nevaehsmom327]

my poor baby.

[jlschlangen]

I personally would take her in to be safe. How is she doing today Amy?

[nevaehsmom327]

I woke her up this morning and she said she was feeling better. But i know after a good 8 hours rest my migraines can be gone too. They just take time.

I'm really not one to just jump in and go to the doc. I hate the fact they try to shove meds on you for every little thing. I don't want my kid to be a drugged up pill popping maniac. I think I may have to watch over the next few weeks just to see if she's eating anything specific to trigger them.

[ReneeW]

Oh shoot. Poor kiddo!!! My DH gets migraines and has most of his life ... I know that he avoids MSG and other food chemicals/preservatives, that being sleep-deprived can trigger a migraine, and that sometimes caffeine can help. But I don't know about giving a six-year-old major caffeine, or what options there are other than soda or coffee. Hang in there.

[jlschlangen]

I get migraines they truly suck. I would suggest to give a ice pack on her head or put her in a dark room, a quiet one too, sleep also helps me. If I get don'y get enough to drink I sometimes get migraines or don't eat well.

[supermommy]

You don't need to do meds just go to the doctor to rule out anything else scary like a tumor. If they are just migraines you can watch for triggers, go to the chiropractor, see if she needs glasses, try herbal remedies all before meds. You are not obligated to take any meds the doc would give and I wouldn't have her take them without trying other methods first

[lilmermaid]

Oh bummer!
I would take her in if this has happened more than once or twice just to rule out everything! I guess my mind always thinks about the "what if's"! What if it isn't a migraine but something worse, not to scare you it's just how my mind works.
I hope you get some answers!

[nevaehsmom327]

I know we have chiro and eye appts. covered. I think I'll talk to her tonight and see if she thinks she's seeing in class. She's never mentioned anything. I got glasses right at her age but really it's cuz i felt bad for this girl in class (she got teased so much, she was the only person w/ glasses, i felt bad lol) so i faked not being able to see. terrible...i know, but i didn't know any better. anyway...she sleeps on like 40 pillows and stuffed animals...its crazy. But like I said, I'll talk to her tonight, and if not the eye thing, we'll go to the chiro w/ her.

[angel22]

My sister and my brother both started getting migranes around age 6, so it isn't uncommon! When I have a migrane, like Vic, I usually need a really good adjustment (neck and back crack!) When is the last time N had her eyes checked? Can you think of anything in her diet that was unusual yesterday? Maybe have her keep a food journal to see if you can find a food trigger. Get her into the water driking habit, dehydration causes a LOT of issues! I'm with you- I don't take my kids to the dr except for their routine well-child visits so running in for meds and scans isn't a priority. However, if these migranes keep up I would say bring her in- but I wouldn't feel the need to do it right now- too many other variables to check out. (((HUGS))) to you and DD!