Headache and Stress Management in Children

By Jeany Miller

Researchers reveal that children fall prey to stress and headaches in much the same manner as adults. In one study, headaches were reported by 74 percent of girls and 56 percent of boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Scientists also indicate that 5 percent of all children before age 15 have experienced migraines and 15 percent have had tension headaches. The most common type of headache among adolescents is that of tension. Sometimes referred to as daily or stress headaches, these may occur periodically (less than 15 times per month) or chronically (more than 15 times per month). Pain that results from tension headaches can be mild to moderate and last from just 30 minutes to all day in duration. Unlike tension headaches, migraines are typically hereditary. An estimated 70 percent of persons who suffer migraines also have an immediate family member who suffers. Migraines are associated with significant pain that is sometimes accompanied by an aura. This is a visible sign that a migraine is about to occur. Blind spots and flashing or moving lights or lines are the most common auras in migraine patients.

Diagnosing the Cause

According to the American Headache Society, "Headache may interfere with participation in activities and school and can be a significant health problem." Accordingly, parents need to work with children and/or health professionals to determine triggers for both tension and migraine headaches. Having this knowledge can help to prevent them from happening or, at the very least, find ways to remedy them quickly. Physicians agree that external factors are largely responsible for the onset of both tension and migraine headaches. The most common triggers include the following:

Diet: items like cheese, chocolate, luncheon meats, some potato chips and caffeine are all associated with headache occurrences in children.
Lack of sleep: when children do not receive adequate rest, they are less able to cope with stress.
Changes in regular routine: traveling, making time adjustments for school and not following a specific daily pattern can cause headaches.

Of all the known headache triggers, stress is the leading cause in both children and adults. For kids, stress results particularly from school and family problems. Trying to meet academic expectations, coping with peer pressure, participating in too many extra-curricular activities, loss of a loved one and divorce are but some of the most traumatic experiences for children and adolescents.

Relaxation and Schedule Strategies

Fortunately, simple lifestyle adjustments can often ease the occurrence of headaches in children. Doctors suggest first that a journal be used to record headache patterns. Where stress seems to be the number one culprit, relaxation techniques can be incorporated. Listening to soft music, mental imagery, deep breathing exercises and participating in activities with family members or friends are some ways that childhood stress can be managed. Many doctors also recommend the use of biofeedback for coping with stress. This therapy teaches children how to recognize such physical reactions as muscle tension, heart rate and breathing to stressful situations. Once they are acknowledged, biofeedback can then instruct children on how to release and control physical tension that causes headaches. Adhering to a routine is another way in which stress can be diminished. For the school year, doctors recommend that parents implement a schedule that allows for family time, homework and personal time. Children should never skip meals, and foods that knowingly trigger headaches are best avoided. Bright lights and loud noises have also been associated with headaches, so doctors further recommend that evening and night hours reduce these as much as possible.

Further Ways to Treat Headaches

When prevention is not possible, children can treat their headaches in a number of different ways. These are alternatives to conventional medication and pain relievers, but have proven just as effective.

Apply an ice pack to the area of pain and secure it in place with a thin strip of cotton or cloth headband.
Take an easy walk outside, rest quietly or take a warm bath or shower
Sit or lie in a cool and low-lit room. Have children close their eyes and try to release the tension from their neck, back and shoulders.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/your-childs-headache

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Headaches/hic_Tension-type_Headaches_in_Children_and_Adolescents.aspx

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/headaches/hic_migraines_in_children_and_adolescents.aspx