Back To School With Migraines or Headaches

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Doctors

Once you've gotten all the information you need from your child's school, make a list of questions to ask, prescriptions to request, and information to get from their doctor.

Do you need immunization or other records from the doctor?
Do you need a letter about your child's illness and treatment plan?
If physical education class is a problem, do you need a letter or recommendations from the doctor?
If your child is young and outdoors recess is a problem, do you need a letter from the doctor?
If you have to send medication to school in its original prescription bottle, do you need an extra prescription for it?
Does your doctor have recommendations for handling your child's illness at school?

At home

Will your child be coming home after school, or going to an after-school program or babysitter? If they're going to a program or babysitter, be sure that whomever will be caring for your child has all the information and medications your child may need.
If your child is old enough that they will be staying at home alone before you get home from work, be sure they understand what they need to do after school and how and when to call for help.
Always arrange a backup for your after school set up.

Back to school

Decide if all issues can be handled via telephone, letters and forms, or if you need to meet with your child's teachers and/or school officials.
Children with chronic illnesses should usually wear some kind of medical identification. Be sure your child has it, wears it, and that it's up to date.
If you're sending notes or letters to the school, and they're going to an administrative office, you may want to make copies for your child's teachers.
Be sure your child knows who has their medications and what to do when they need them at school.
If you need to fill prescriptions or get an extra supply of OTC meds to take to school, now is the time. If you plan to take meds you already have at home, check to be sure they're not past their expiration dates.
Talk to your child to be sure they understand any testing and treatment they may need at school and when they should ask that someone from the school call you.
Talk to your child and be sure they know that they should never accept medication from another student. This is also as good a time as any to talk with them about illicit drugs that my be around the school and alcohol.
Be sure to give your child plenty of opportunities to ask you questions or express their concerns or fears. The stress of worrying or being afraid can exacerbate their illness, and you'll feel better knowing that they feel safe and secure.

A child's school years can and should be some of their best. They're learning academically and socially, and developing so quickly that we wonder where the time has gone. Prior preparation can indeed prevent poor performance in the case of caring for your child's illness. Don't stress you or your child by putting it off.

To help ensure that your child gets the care he or she needs at school, I've prepared forms for you and your doctor to complete and give to your child's teachers and school nurse. To download these forms, CLICK HERE.