Let's Enjoy This Life

Migraines can occur when the blood vessels constrict or expand. Although constricting blood vessels do not cause pain, they can temporarily affect vision or balance. It is when blood vessels dilate, however, that their expansion triggers pain. In some people, certain things trigger a migraine, such as stress, a change in routine or sleep patterns, bright lights, loud noises, or certain foods and beverages.

Symptoms Unlike adults, children experience a migraine on both sides of the head, along with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sound, and changes in temperament and personality. Unlike an adult’s experience, a child may suffer with a migraine in only an hour, or for no longer than a day. About 15 percent of children also experience an “aura” several minutes before the onset of the migraine, featuring blurred vision, blind spots, or seeing colored or flashing lights, or wavy lines. A few children also may stumble or may have trouble expressing themselves. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation, or relaxation to music can be very effective in alleviating a migraine headache.