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Dealing with Student Migraines in School

According to the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE), school nurses treat an average of at least ten students a month for headache complaints. Many of these turn to be migraine headaches. If you thought migraine was just an adult disease, consider the following statistics.

• Recurring headaches occur in 38% to 83% of children 7 to15 year of age

• Recurring headaches occur in 1% to 37% of children 3 to 6 years of age

• Migraine headaches occur in approximately 1.2% to 11% of children

Headaches in children is a far more serious problem that most people realize. The truth is that most kids under eighteen have headaches several times a year, typically either tension headaches or migraines, though children certain cannot be considered immune to cluster headaches. The frequency of migraines rises among females once they enter puberty; far more teenaged girls experience migraines than teenaged boys. This disparity is usually linked to estrogen changes the begin with the onset of menstruation.

There are several warning signs that indicate that migraines may be a problem. A child need not be complaining of more than a few of these in order to be concerned about the possibility that he is suffering from migraines. Just one or two may be enough to warrant further investigation. School is certainly an environment that is conducive to several of these symptoms and so even if a student does complain of two or three of these that also doesn’t necessarily mean that migraines are the cause.

Be aware not only of a student complaining about things, but also the consistency and the context. For instance, if student exhibits signs of nausea and must leave the room suddenly to vomit, it could be a sign of a migraine, or it could just be a math test next period. A student suffering from migraine often exhibits personality changes. This may be unusual in elementary school, but once a student makes it to the upper levels of education, you can pretty much guarantee personality changes. Be especially attuned to statements by the student indicating that the severity of the current headache is the worst he’s ever experienced. This is definitely something be concerned about. If the student is running a fever of complains about a stiff neck, a migraine could very possibly be the root the cause.

It’s very important for teachers to take an active role in identifying students who may be suffering from migraines. Headaches, especially migraines, can seriously undermine the entire school experience. In addition to affecting the student’s academic performance, headaches may also curtail the student’s desire and ability take part in activities and extracurricular fun. Headaches may even be a sign of more serious trouble, from depression to a tumor. Teachers also present a secondary authority source that may be less threatening to the student that family members; she may be more comfortable confiding about a history of headaches in you than in her parents.

Finally, there are some things a teacher can do to help students who suffer from headaches. They won’t necessarily relieve the pain and they certainly won’t solve the problem, but they could help and they certainly won’t hurt.

• Children and teens should drink at least 4 to 8 glasses of fluid a day so if your school policy allows permits, allow students to bring water bottles to your class.

• It is recommended that children get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night so why not help them achieve that by giving them a little extra time to get their homework done before going home, offer extra encouragement for them to get sleep.

• Certain foods such processed meats, cheeses, caffeine, chocolate can trigger a migraine so if you notice your student who is suffering from headaches is constantly ingesting some or all of these, advise him to abstain.

• Stress and uncertain schedules often trigger migraines, so if you notice the student is taking on too much, arrange a conference with his parents to discuss the possibility that rearranging his schedule may contribute to lessening his headaches.

• Believe the child when he complains of headaches and send him to the clinic.