Migraine headaches are one of the most common and recurrent headache patterns experienced by adolescents.
They can be excruciatingly painful and equally devastating for adults, teens and children, although they do differ.
Knowing natural treatment options for adolescent migraines will no doubt be an advantage.
Natural treatment is usually preferred, especially when it comes to children.
Adults VS Adolescents
Adult migraines can last for several hours or more and settle on one side of the head.
Adolescent migraines could last for as little as 1 hour with the pain being felt across the entire area of the forehead or both temples.
Attacks can be short but once they disappear they can cause an ill feeling which is often worse than the pain from the migraine itself.
Adolescent migraines are also often misdiagnosed.
Signs & Symptoms Of Adolescent Migraines
Adolescent migraines may spring without warning and bring a throbbing pain around the eyes, the forehead or directly around the temples.
Many adolescents report changes in their vision and other sensory changes.
Bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors also have the ability to amplify the intensity of the migraine.
Kids may show pain through crying.
Others may show pain through irritability, or some may seek out comfort in a dark room.
Some of the most common symptoms for adolescent migraines include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
Other signs of a migraine attack could include the following:
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to smell
- Sensitivity to sound
- A need to sleep
Research has shown that many “sinus headaches” are really of migrainous origin.
Natural Treatments For Adolescent Migraines
Doctors rule out serious diseases or conditions during their first examination of an adolescent migraines.
Treatment consists of finding and avoiding trigger factors in the environment, giving immediate pain relief as well as herbal remedies.
After a doctor has tested for any underlying conditions linked to migraine headaches, the next step will be to identify the triggers.
Some of the most common adolescent migraine triggers include:
- Medication
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Hormone changes
- Lack of sleep
- Skipping meals
- Physical activity
- Extreme heat
- Certain smells
- Weather changes
- Bright lights
- Motion sickness
Maintain a headache diary to identify migraine patterns.
It is vital to identify patterns.
Certain foods have shown to affect the sensitivity and frequency of migraines, so dietary changes can also be a good option to consider.
Some of the foods proven to cause migraines include:
- Foods containing MSG
- Foods containing tyramine
- Foods that are fermented or pickled
- Bacon
- Hot dogs
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Onions
- Citrus
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate
Natural Remedies
Migraine attacks often wreak havoc on the lives of adolescent sufferers, reducing their overall quality of life and the ability to take part in normal day to day activities.
There are a variety of herbal and natural home remedies known to help soothe and lessen the pain of migraine attacks.
By following these natural treatment options, the frequency and intensity of a migraine attack could be significantly reduced.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is used to treat migraine pain.
Inhaling it or applying it topically works wonders.
Use 2 – 4 drops for every 2 – 3 cups of boiling water.
Inhaling the vapors to sooth and treat pain.
Remember, lavender oil should not be taken orally.
Peppermint Oil
Migraine pain can often be contributed to poor blood circulation.
Using peppermint oil helps to open and close the vessels which promote blood flow.
It will also open up the sinuses so that more oxygen can travel into the bloodstream.
Basil Oil
Tension headaches are caused by tight muscles but can also be used for migraines.
Oil gained from the basil plant acts as a natural muscle relaxant.
Sleep
2/3 of migraine sufferers cannot function normally when they are experiencing a migraine.
Sleep is the best remedy anyone suffering from a migraine can do.
It serves to relieves the pain and restore normal brain function.
Sleep also resolves many of the other associated migraine symptoms which can only be achieved through some downtime.
A good night’s rest, not waking up too late and keeping a dark room are arguably the top 3 strategies for avoiding constant migraine attacks.
By following a healthy sleep routine, migraines can be avoided to an extent, but recognizing the triggers and will be the only way to maintain good quality of life.
For more information on migraines and adolescents, please read Adolescent Migraines Explained.
