How Can I Help My Child with Migraines and Headaches?

Hi Nancy:

I do not have children (wish we did!); however, I thought I would comment on some things my parents did when I was in elementary school (I think second grade) to help when I had migraines.

First, at the urging of a teacher who noticed I had extreme light sensitivity and debilitating headaches, my Mom took me to a neurologist in a town about a hour's distance (1964).  The neurologist diagnosed classical migraines with aura, and encouraged me to wear very dark "dark glasses" during waking hours (which I did). He prescribed Cafergot which was the only medication used at the time for migraines (but it did help), and later fiorinal.

At school I chose seats where my vision was not affected by direct sunlight.

My Mom installed dark curtains in my bedroom and bathroom so that when i was sick, I didn't cower on the closet floor.  The cool bathroom floor became my sanctuary when migraine-associated vomitting and diarreah occured .

No one in my house used odoriferous perfumes (I was very grateful) and MSG was banned from our menus.  When I was sick with a migraine, I was able to escape from "noise" by going to my room, and I remember so well that my parents and siblings kept their voices low, never slammed doors, etc, and even whispered in my presence.  Though these things may sound silly, I can remember being soothed by their whispers.

The migraine severity and duration got even worse after I started having periods, but at least I had a "sanctuary" in which to hide when feeling awful.  I think I was blessed to have parents who took note that something was wrong, and made huge efforts to help me feel better.  Unfortunately, my Mom--with no prior history of migraines---starting having them after a hysterectomy.  Because of her experiences with me, she knew exactly what to do, and the fact that we both know "how it feels" makes us that much closer.  At age 78, hers occur almost never anymore!

My son is 17 and was a junior last year - he missed 40 days of school due to migraine (yup - almost an entire quarter of instruction) - and still the school wanted to do nothing to help us out.

We finally put something in place for his senior year (too little too late) but at least it's something, I guess. As a migraineur, I understand how difficult it is for him, as a parent it's frustrating to see him miss so much school, and as someone working in a high school district and seeing what the school I work for does for kids and then dealing with his high school (right down the street) - it's like pulling teeth. I finally had to demand a case study in order for them to sit down and talk to us.

My point, I guess, is that it's frustrating, scary and alot of work when having kids with migraines. Do not let the school districts tell you there's nothing they can do - remember, technically this is a disability and we qualify under ADA if nothing else.

We'll keep loving and supporting him - and hope he learns to deal before going off to college on his own....