Need some opinions please!

By ilovebands Friday, January 04, 2008

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Hi,

I'm a mother of a 15 year old who has chronic migraines. He is an over-achiever and very bright but because of his excessive absences in school, a few of his grades have started slipping. I believe his migraines are brought on by sleep deprivation and stress...two main factors in attending school. I would like to pull him out of school and home-school him but my husband is totally against it. Has anyone out there tried home-schooling and seen improvements in the migraines or would you suggest that I leave him in school as long as he is able to keep his grades up? I just hate seeing him have severe migraines every week of his teenage life. In the summer when he is not attending school and getting more rest and able to snack when he wants, he seems to have very few migraines. I would appreciate anyone out there who has some advice on this. Thank you so much!

Can a Chiropractor help?

Comments (3) | Add comment

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

1/ 4/08 1:46pm

we try to reduce your son's Migraine attacks during the school year? Since you mentioned he has fewer attacks in the summer, that tells us a few important things.

Have you tried keeping a Migraine diary? This tool is very useful because it enables us to identify any triggers and patterns that may be effecting our Migraines. Click HERE for the downloadable diary.

Now let's talk about Migraine Triggers .

Changes in sleeping patterns can trigger a Migraine attack for many people, my son included. Getting to sleep and waking each day at the same time may reduce his Migraines, even on the weekends. It can be difficult for a teenager, I have two, to set a sleep schedule, but is really worth the effort.

Dehydration can also trigger a Migraine. Could your son carry a water bottle in school? If the school gives him a problem, you may need to call the principal and explain he needs water during the day to avoid getting a Migraine attack.

Stress was long thought to be a Migraine trigger, no more though. Rather, stress may make us more susceptible to our triggers. Is Stress a Migraine Trigger? is a podcast Teri Robert did this summer that explains stress and Migraines.

What about his doctor? How helpful is he/she being? Does he have a good treatment plan? If not, it may be time for a new doctor, maybe a Migraine specialist. These doctors are experts in Migraine disease and headache disorders. Click HERE to see our list of patient recommended speicalists.

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if I can do more.

Laurelin

1/ 4/08 1:58pm

Well, I don't have any kids but I was about that age when I starting having problems with migraines.

It did make going to school tough but I stuck it out through public school, especially because I wanted to be in band and drama and other things that aren't available at home.

I'm sure others will tell you about tracking down what his triggers are and getting on some preventative medication (so hopefully his absences are limited), in the meantime you should be able to talk to the school and teachers and they should be willing to help work around the absenses.

If he needs to carry around snacks or water then they have to let him. If he needs extra time for assignments, most teachers are willing to work with you if you have a good reason.

GWP

1/ 4/08 2:09pm

We have a folder for Children and Migraines in our Forum. Mosey on over and check things out. You can get there by clicking "Migraine Forums" in the orange box on the left hand side of this page. You'll find lots of information and support.

Fifteen is a hard enough age without migraines. My son is 21 and out of the teenage funk, thank goodness. I wouldn't have the patience to home-school.

The consistent bedtime and getting-up times can really help with the migraines. I recently gave up my afternoon naps, and I fall asleep much more quickly these days.

Is your son seeing a headache/migraine specialist? If not, it may be time. His migraines are interfering with his life, and there are tons of meds and treatments that can successfully prevent attacks. A specialist will have the latest research and ideas. I'm flying from Central Mississippi to Nashville to see a specialist. It would be an 8-hour drive, and flying is easier on me. It's worth it to me to make the trip. I'm continuing to see my local neurologist in case trouble comes up, and he wants to keep an eye on me.

If the water and snacking help with his migraines, by all means, make arrangements with the school for him to carry water and snacks with him. The school is required to make accommodations for him. If necessary, get a letter from your son's doctor.

Gretchen

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