Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
One of the most frequent complaints seen at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is headaches. Children get headaches commonly for a variety of reasons. Headache triggers include lack of sleep, dehydration, overexertion and even too much screen time.
Jamie Kondis, MD, a WashU Medicine pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, shares what to know about symptoms of migraines, ways to reduce instances of migraines in children, treatments and when you should talk to your child’s pediatrician.
A migraine is different than a typical headache. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
About 10% of children experience migraines. Many people don’t realize this, but migraines, which are very common in adults, are also very common in children. About 10% of children experience migraines prior to puberty. By the time they become teenagers, that number jumps to almost 30%. Migraines are also more common in children whose parents have a history of migraines.
Migraines share many triggers with non-migraine headaches. There are many triggers — even something as simple as trying new foods or travelling can trigger migraines. Regular exercise can reduce the frequency of migraines.
There are several treatments for relief from migraines. They include medicines you can take by mouth. Sometimes, if dehydration is the trigger, children may need IV fluids.
If you think your child is having a migraine, call your pediatrician.
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The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.
One of the most frequent complaints seen at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is headaches. Children get headaches commonly for a variety of reasons. Headache triggers include lack of sleep, dehydration, overexertion and even too much screen time.
Jamie Kondis, MD, a WashU Medicine pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, shares what to know about symptoms of migraines, ways to reduce instances of migraines in children, treatments and when you should talk to your child’s pediatrician.
A migraine is different than a typical headache. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms such as:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
About 10% of children experience migraines. Many people don’t realize this, but migraines, which are very common in adults, are also very common in children. About 10% of children experience migraines prior to puberty. By the time they become teenagers, that number jumps to almost 30%. Migraines are also more common in children whose parents have a history of migraines.
Migraines share many triggers with non-migraine headaches. There are many triggers — even something as simple as trying new foods or travelling can trigger migraines. Regular exercise can reduce the frequency of migraines.
There are several treatments for relief from migraines. They include medicines you can take by mouth. Sometimes, if dehydration is the trigger, children may need IV fluids.
If you think your child is having a migraine, call your pediatrician.
Visit our website for more MomDocs tips: stlouischildrens.org/health-resources/pulse?categories%5BMom%20Docs%5D=Mom%20Docs
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: bit.ly/2vHvSCw
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/stlchildrens
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/stlchildrens
Learn More About Donating on YouTube: support.google.com/youtube/?p=donate_FAQ
The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.
