Types of Childhood Migraines

In addition to typical migraines, the International Headache Classification lists migraine-like conditions which occur in kids:

• Abdominal Migraines

• Colic

• Vertigo

• Torticollis

Symptoms of childhood migraines:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Loss of balance

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Stomach pain

• Sensitive to lights & sounds

• Other sensory sensitivities like headbanging, rocking or disliking certain smells

Triggers for migraines in kids:

• Muscle tension

• Fatigue

• Certain foods

• Missed meals

• Relaxing after stress / exercise

• Bright or flicking lights

• Loud noises

• Stress

• Excitement

Infantile Torticollis & Migraines

A head tilt or maybe slight neck rotation is called torticollis or Wry neck. Some babies are born with it and others develop it in their first year of life.

Some babies have episodes of torticollis - where the neck bends or turns but only for short periods. Between these episodes, there is no signs of torticollis. Just the same as a migraine has attacks and then symptom free phases.

These rare attacks are classified as a condition associated with migraines. They may resolve or these kids may grow up suffering with more typical migraine attacks. This would typically be diagnosed by the paediatrician.

Childhood Vertigo & Migraines

Healthy children can experience attacks of sudden onset vertigo. The vertigo typically lasts minutes to a few hours. Between these vertigo attacks, they are completely normal and well.

Vertigo attacks may appear with pale colouring, losing coordination, vomiting, being forgetful or having darting eyes (nystagmus).

In young children, it may be difficult to know that it's vertigo, but the other signs can be present.

It's thought that these attacks may be related to a particular type of migraine called vestibular migraines. These kids should consult their paediatrician / neurologist for a diagnosis.

Colic and Migraines

What is Colic?

Colic affects one in five babies. They typically cry for 3+ hours a day, 3+ days a week for 3+ weeks.

It's difficult for new and tired parents to know what to do to help their unsettled child.

Migraine-Colic Connection

Colicky babies are more likely to develop migraines later in life (Zhang et al. 2019).

Additionally, parents who have migraines are more likely to have colicky babies. That's from both the mother and father.

• Addressing sleep difficulties

• Finding dietary triggers

• Treating tension in the body

• Coping with stress

• Sleep consultations

• Dietetics

• Naturopathy

• Paediatric Chiropractic

• Paediatric Massage

• Counselling

• Meditation

• Acupuncture