Get In Touch
Get In Touch

Migraine

Migraines are a type of headache disorder characterized by recurring attacks of moderate to severe headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances (aura), and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Migraines in children and adolescents may present with throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head, and can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

Relevant Screening & Assessment Webforms

A fillable screening questionnaire like a Migraine Symptom Checklist and Migraine Disability Assessment Test can help identify patterns, triggers, and severity of headaches. It includes sections for parents to describe the nature, duration, and associated symptoms of the migraine, as well as any potential triggers (e.g., stress, diet, sleep).

    Blood or Laboratory Tests

    While migraines are diagnosed primarily through clinical history and symptom description, the paediatrician may recommend:

    • Blood Tests: To rule out other causes of headaches (e.g., infections, anaemia, thyroid dysfunction).
    • Neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, CT scan): If symptoms are atypical, or if there are red flags such as sudden onset, changes in headache patterns, or associated neurological symptoms (e.g., vision changes, weakness).

    Management Options

    • Lifestyle & Trigger Management: Educating families on identifying and avoiding migraine triggers, improving sleep hygiene, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques.
    • Medication for Acute Relief: Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol may be recommended at the onset of a migraine. For more severe attacks, triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) may be used.
    • Preventive Medication: In cases of frequent migraines, preventive medications like beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants may be considered to reduce frequency and severity.
    • Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), relaxation training, and biofeedback techniques can help children manage migraine-related anxiety and stress, which can often act as triggers.

    Latest High-Tech Evidence-Based Treatment Options Worldwide

    • Biofeedback Devices & Wearable Technology: Devices like Cefaly and Relivion are FDA-approved neurostimulation devices that provide external stimulation to nerves associated with migraine relief. They offer non-invasive treatments to reduce pain and frequency of migraine attacks.
    • Mobile Apps for Migraine Tracking & Therapy: Apps like Migraine Buddy and Headache Diary help children and parents track headache patterns, triggers, and medications, providing useful data for clinicians to tailor treatment. Calm and Headspace for Kids offer guided meditation and relaxation techniques to help manage stress-induced migraines.
    • Remote Teletherapy & Biofeedback: Digital platforms offer biofeedback and cognitive behavioural therapy to support relaxation and stress management remotely, helping children learn coping skills to prevent and manage migraine episodes.

    Patient Education Resources in Australia

    • Raising Children Network: Provides helpful articles on migraine symptoms, triggers, and management strategies specifically tailored for children and teens.
    • Migraine & Headache Australia: Offers resources, support groups, and educational materials on migraines, including ways to prevent attacks and manage symptoms effectively.
    • Kids Helpline: Offers counselling and support for children and teens experiencing migraines, particularly those triggered by stress and anxiety.

    Foundations & Volunteering Agencies in Australia

    • Migraine & Headache Australia (MHA): Part of the Brain Foundation, MHA provides support, advocacy, and education for those living with migraines and headaches, including resources for families and support groups.
    • Brain Foundation: A national organization supporting brain health, offering resources and funding for migraine research and management strategies.

    What to Expect from Telehealth Consultations

    • Initial Assessment: A thorough history-taking session, where the clinician discusses headache symptoms, patterns, potential triggers, family history, and lifestyle factors contributing to migraines.
    • Symptom Tracking & Diary Keeping: Families may be encouraged to maintain a headache diary, which can be reviewed during follow-up telehealth sessions to identify patterns and adjust management plans.
    • Personalized Management Plan: During telehealth consultations, paediatricians can guide families on migraine prevention, trigger management, and the correct use of acute and preventive medications. Behavioural therapies (e.g., relaxation, CBT) and lifestyle interventions will be tailored to the child’s needs.
    • Ongoing Monitoring & Support: Follow-up telehealth sessions provide a platform for families to report progress, challenges, and effectiveness of the management plan. Adjustments to medication, lifestyle, and therapy strategies can be made as necessary.

    Funding Options in Australia

    • Medicare: Subsidizes pediatric consultations and assessments for migraines, and rebates are available for certain therapies through a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
    • NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): Although not typically applicable for migraines alone, NDIS may provide support if migraines are associated with a significant disability or impact on daily functioning.
    • Private Health Insurance: Coverage for specialist consultations, pain management services, and allied health therapy sessions may vary based on the policy.

    By integrating thorough information gathering, validated assessment tools, personalized treatment plans, and innovative technologies, Smart Paediatrics ensures that children with anxiety receive comprehensive, effective, and tailored care to support their mental well-being.