Causes and Risk Factors for Migraines in Teens

Overview

Migraine headaches are a type of headache characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, typically affecting one side of the head. Migraine can occur at any age and often begins during the teen years. The exact cause of migraines is unknown. Development of a migraine headache is associated with temporary changes in chemicals, nerves, and blood vessels within the brain. Migraine headaches are believed to be related to abnormal functioning of the brain's blood vessels. Certain triggers may cause the blood vessels to overreact, leading to migraine headaches.

There are several factors that increase the chances of developing migraine headaches. Some factors are non-modifiable, meaning that a person cannot change or control the factor. Other factors are modifiable, meaning that a person potentially can change or control the factor. For migraines, triggers of migraine headaches may be modifiable.

Overall, while the exact cause of migraine headaches in teens is not fully understood, there are various factors that can contribute to their occurrence. With proper medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments, teens can manage their migraines and improve their overall well-being.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors (Risk Factors You Can't Change)

Non-modifiable risk factors for migraine headaches in teens include:

  • Age: Migraine headaches often start during adolescence. Most people will experience their first migraine headache before or during this time.
  • Sex assigned at birth: Females are three times more likely to have migraine headaches than males. Females who have migraines also tend to experience them more frequently compared tomales.
  • Genetics: Migraine headaches can be hereditary. More than 75% of people who suffer from migraines have a parent or sibling who also experiences migraines.
  • Certain chronic conditions
    • Asthma: Teens with asthma may have a higher risk of migraines. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, causing breathing difficulties and other symptoms.
    • Non-cephalic pain: Non-cephalic pain refers to pain that occurs outside of the head, such as muscle pain or joint pain. Teens who experience non-cephalic pain along with migraines may have an increased risk of migraines.
    • Persistent-frequent nausea associated with migraine: Teens who frequently experience nausea along with their migraines may have an increased risk of migraines compared to those with migraines without nausea. Persistent-frequent nausea refers to experiencing nausea often and consistently in relation to migraine attacks.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that a person will develop migraine headaches. Risk factors simply increase the likelihood of experiencing migraines.

Modifiable Risk Factors (Factors You May Be Able to Change)

Migraine headaches can be influenced by certain factors that can be modified or changed. These modifiable risk factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing migraines in teens. Here are some of the modifiable risk factors for migraine headaches in teens:

  • Migraine triggers: Certain factors can trigger migraine episodes in teens. These triggers can vary from person to person, but some common ones include
    • Tiredness
    • Stress
    • Hunger
    • Mild dehydration
    • Hormonal changes in females assigned at birth
    • Strong stimulation of the senses (such as loud noises or flashing lights)
    • Certain foods or food additives
    • Certain beverages containing caffeine.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of migraines in teens. Obesity is defined as having excess body weight for a given height and is usually determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI). A BMI above the 95th percentile for their age and sex is considered obese.
  • Snoring: Snoring is the sound made during sleep when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate. Teens who snore may have a higher risk of migraines.
  • Abortive migraine treatment overuse: Teens who find that their abortive migraine treatments are not effective may have an increased risk of migraines. These may be medication overuse headaches, also called rebound headaches. This occurs when a person with migraine frequently takes pain medication, including over-the-counter acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for the migraine headache.

It's important to note that these modifiable risk factors are not guarantees that a teen will develop migraines, but they can contribute to an increased likelihood. It's always a good idea for teens and their parents to discuss any concerns or symptoms with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Reducing Risks

To prevent or reduce the chances of getting migraine headaches, there are several actions a teen can take:

  • Identify and avoid triggers: Migraine triggers can vary from person to person, but common triggers include certain foods, stress, and weather changes. Encourage your teen to keep a migraine journal where they note potential triggers they notice before a migraine attack. This can help them identify specific triggers and avoid them in the future.
  • Try implementing lifestyle changes to help prevent future migraines, including:
    • Managing stress: Overscheduling can create pressure and cut into sleep, which can trigger migraines. It's important to talk to your teen about the pitfalls of overscheduling and encourage them to avoid overscheduling to help manage their stress levels. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, yoga, or meditation, can help reduce their risk of migraines.
    • Getting enough sleep: Lack of sleep can also trigger migraines. Encourage your teen to keep a regular sleep schedule and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This can help regulate their body's natural sleep-wake cycle and reduce the likelihood of migraines.
    • Staying hydrated. Dehydration may increase the risk of migraines. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the days.
    • Eat regular meals without skipping breakfast: Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can disrupt blood sugar levels and trigger migraines. Encourage your teen to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day and emphasize the importance of not skipping breakfast.
    • Limit screen time: Limiting screen time may also help reduce headache symptoms according to a recent study.
  • Consider preventive medications: If your teen experiences frequent and severe migraines. Healthcare professionals may recommend preventive medications to reduce their frequency. It's important to note that what works for one person may not work for another, so it's essential for your teen to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for them.

It's important for teens who experience severe or frequent headaches to consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Migraine treatment for teens may involve medications to help ease head pain and antiemetics to alleviate nausea and vomiting. Preventive medications may also be considered, although their effectiveness in reducing migraine frequency and severity in children and teens is still uncertain.

Remember, these actions can be helpful in preventing or reducing the chances of getting migraine headaches in teens, but it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance tailored to your teen's specific needs.

What are the most common triggers for migraines in teens?

How can we identify and manage modifiable risk factors for migraines in my teen?

Are there any preventive medications that could help reduce the frequency of my teen's migraines?