Stating that the most important problem in migraine disorders that occur in children is that the disease cannot be diagnosed, experts emphasize that migraine symptoms in children are more diverse than in adults and that a physician should be consulted in case of symptoms.
NPISTANBUL Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Celal Salçini made evaluations regarding migraine disease in children.
The first migraine attack occurs before the age of 12
Emphasizing that migraine is more common in childhood than known, Neurology Specialist Dr. Celal Salçini said that migraine, which is seen in 10 percent of school-age children, is rarely diagnosed and migraine patients have their first attack before the age of 12.
Migraine disrupts children's quality of life
Referring to the fact that migraine symptoms vary more in children compared to adults, Neurology Specialist Dr. Celal Salçini said, "Children may have headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as abdominal pain and mood changes, just like adults. Although the frequency and severity of migraine attacks are less frequent than adults, they are enough to disrupt the quality of life of children. Since its symptoms vary, it creates anticipation anxiety and worry. Therefore, their social life, including school performance, is also affected. Patients with migraine are absent twice as often as other children."
The biggest risk is family history
Stating that the treatment of childhood migraine is possible and similar to each other as in adults, Neurology Specialist Dr. Celal Salçini said, "Migraine is more common in boys before puberty and in girls after puberty. At this point, it is important to make a timely diagnosis because even in adults, half of migraine patients can be diagnosed. Migraine can be seen in 70 percent of their parents, if family members have migraine, this is a situation that poses a risk for children."
