This blog is part of a three-part series discussing migraines and headaches in children. In this series, we’ll help you recognize the signs of migraines in children, understand common triggers, and share practical tips to prevent and manage headache pain. Whether your child occasionally complains of headaches or deals with frequent migraines, these blogs are here to guide you.
Has your child been complaining of headaches? Watching your child experience pain, especially when it disrupts their day-to-day life, can be a distressing experience for any parent. But how can you tell if it’s just a headache or something more, like a migraine? Understanding the difference is the first step toward helping your child find relief and regain their comfort.
At Capital Area Pediatrics, we specialize in providing compassionate, expert pediatric care to families across Northern Virginia. Our team is here to support you in identifying, managing, and preventing your child’s headaches or migraines. With a personalized approach to pediatric care, we aim to ensure your little one can thrive and enjoy their daily activities without the interference of recurring pain. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today.
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Understanding the difference between a headache and a migraine is an important step in finding the right care for your child. Here’s what you need to know:
Headaches vs. Migraines
Headaches are common in children and can have many causes, from hunger and dehydration to stress and poor posture. Most of the time, they’re mild and short-lived. But migraines are different. They’re more than just headaches, and they often come with symptoms other than head pain that can significantly affect a child’s day.
Here’s a basic breakdown of how the two compare:
- Headaches tend to cause dull or squeezing pain, often across the forehead or scalp. They may be triggered by tension or fatigue and usually respond to rest or over-the-counter pain relief.
- Migraines, on the other hand, are a neurological condition. The pain is often throbbing or pulsing and may affect one or both sides of the head. Migraines often come with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, or visual changes (such as blurry vision or seeing flashing lights). Children may also seem unusually tired, irritable, or withdrawn before or after an episode.
One major difference? Function. Children with a basic headache are typically still able to power through a school day or activity. A child with a migraine often needs to stop what they’re doing, lie down, and recover in a quiet, dark space.
Understanding the difference between a typical headache and a migraine is the first step in getting your child the support they need—and helping them feel better faster.
Why Migraine Diagnosis in Kids Can Be Tricky
Diagnosing pediatric migraines isn’t always straightforward. Younger children often have a hard time describing their symptoms clearly; they might say their head “hurts” or they feel “bad,” but they can’t always explain what the pain feels like or specify that they're struggling with bright lights or loud noises. In some cases, a child may not even mention head pain at all but will complain of nausea, dizziness, or just wanting to lie down. These other symptoms can easily be mistaken for something unrelated.
On top of that, many pediatric migraines are shorter in duration than adult migraines. Instead of lasting several hours or more, a child’s migraine might come and go within 30 minutes. Because of this, they may be brushed off as a mild or isolated issue, even when they’re happening regularly.
Adding to the complexity, migraines in children often run in families, but that detail may not always come up during a routine visit. A detailed family history and symptom log can go a long way in helping your pediatrician recognize a pattern and make an early and accurate diagnosis.
What Doctors Look For: Clues That It May Be a Migraine
If your child is having frequent headaches or unexplained symptoms that disrupt their daily life, don’t hesitate to bring it up to your pediatrician. Even if it’s unclear whether it’s “just a headache” or something more, starting the conversation is an important first step.
There are several signs and symptoms that pediatricians look for in order to make a diagnosis:
- Frequency and Duration: How often are the headaches happening? How long do they last? Migraines are more likely when headaches are recurring and interfere with daily routines, even if they don’t always last long.
- Pain and Location: Is the pain throbbing or pulsing? Does it occur on one side of the head or both? These are classic signs that point more toward migraine than tension-type headaches.
- Associated Symptoms: Pediatricians will ask whether your child experiences other common pediatric migraine symptoms. These additional clues are often what separate migraines from more routine headaches.
- Disruption to Daily Life: Does your child miss school, stop participating in activities, or need to lie down when the headache strikes? Migraines often interrupt daily function, even if the pain isn’t severe every time.
- Family History: If migraines run in your family, that increases the likelihood that your child may experience them, too. Your pediatrician may ask whether you or other family members have a history of migraines or other neurological conditions.
This conversation is also a great time to share any notes you’ve kept in a headache diary, such as when symptoms occur, what seems to trigger them, and how your child responds to rest or medication. These details can help your doctor make an early and accurate diagnosis and determine whether any further evaluation is needed.
The Next Step: Prevention & Treatment Options
Once your child has been diagnosed with migraines, the focus shifts to helping them feel better and preventing future episodes as much as possible. Treatment doesn’t look the same for every child, but your pediatrician will work with you to create a care plan that fits your child’s age, symptoms, and daily routine.
Most care plans include a mix of lifestyle adjustments and, when needed, medications for relief or prevention.
Lifestyle & Prevention Strategies
The first line of defense for migraines in children may include making changes or reinforcing habits like:
- Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
- Ensuring regular meals and staying hydrated
- Identifying and avoiding known migraine triggers (like stress, skipped meals, or certain foods)
- Managing screen time and encouraging screen-free breaks
- Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety or overstimulation
For many children, these simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference over time.
Treatment Options & Strategies for Relief
For migraines that come on suddenly, your pediatrician may recommend acute treatment like medications or strategies used at the onset of symptoms to reduce the severity or shorten the duration. This may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prescription medications designed specifically for migraines, especially if symptoms are severe or frequent
- Rest in a quiet, dark room
Find Relief with Expert Pediatric Migraine Care
Migraines in children can be challenging to manage, but with the right treatment plan and support, relief is possible. The team at Capital Area Pediatrics is here to provide comprehensive care tailored to your child's needs.
If your child is experiencing migraines, don't wait to seek answers. Schedule an appointment with your Capital Area Pediatrics pediatrician today to explore effective treatment options, or click here to learn about our specialty Headache Clinic in Vienna. We're here to help every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my child’s headaches are actually migraines?
While headaches are common in kids, pediatric migraines often involve additional symptoms—like nausea, light sensitivity, or dizziness—that go beyond basic head pain. If the headaches happen frequently, interrupt your child’s activities, or come with other symptoms, it’s worth getting evaluated by a pediatrician.
What are some signs that my child needs a migraine evaluation?
If your child’s headaches are happening more than once a week, lasting for hours, or interfering with school, sleep, or daily activities, it’s time to speak with your pediatrician.
Does my child need prescription medications for migraines?
Not always. Many children benefit from lifestyle changes first, such as improving sleep, staying hydrated, and reducing screen time. However, prescription medications may be recommended if symptoms are frequent, intense, or don’t improve with other strategies.
Do migraines in kids go away over time?
Some children outgrow migraines, especially as their brains and bodies mature. However, others continue to experience migraines into adolescence or adulthood. With proper care, symptoms can often be managed effectively—whether they’re temporary or ongoing.
Is it possible to prevent migraines before they start?
In many cases, yes. Tracking triggers and patterns with a headache diary, keeping a consistent daily routine, and making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce how often migraines occur. Your pediatrician can also recommend prevention strategies that fit your child’s specific needs.
