Back to school could mean chronic headaches for children

With the beginning of the school year, many parents are focusing on the education of their children, but along with thinking about academics, parents should be aware that their child might experience headaches as a result of resuming classes.

Nearly 30 percent of children miss school or other activities because of headaches, according to an online survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation.

According to the survey, 65 percent of respondents stated that stress is a headache trigger, and 56 percent of children with headaches feel pressure to receive good grades.

For children, the start of school can be a time of both anticipation and anxiety.

Facing new teachers, friends and classes, along with changes in daily routine, can be common triggers of migraine and tension headaches.

The survey also states that 35 percent of those completing the survey said there was pressure to fit in with peers.

According to the headache foundation, young children are often unable to effectively communicate their symptoms, making it difficult for parents to recognize a recurring problem.

According to the NHF survey, 56 percent of child sufferers experienced their first headache before age 10.

Treatment options also pose a challenge for young headache sufferers upon their return to school. The survey found that 82 percent of affected children take over-the-counter medications, however many schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies with regard to bringing these types of drugs to school.

Parents should review the school's policy to determine what is permitted and also make sure that every teacher, the school nurse and administrators are informed about the child's headache condition.

Many parents are not aware that kids may be susceptible to chronic headaches, because the common misconception is that headaches are an adult disease.

According to the foundation, signs that a child may be suffering from migraine or chronic headaches include car or motion sickness, waking up because of a headache, headache severity increasing or headaches occurring more frequently, changes in temperament or personality, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain. Other signs might be if a headache goes away with rest or if pain increases with physical activity.

If a child experiences one or more of these symptoms it is recommended that an appointment with the child's doctor be scheduled.

In addition to consulting with a doctor or healthcare provider, the foundation also encourages parents to implement the following tips into their family's daily life.

+ Keep a diary of your child's headaches. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep at regular times.

Avoid changes in your child's eating routine.

Encourage open communication about your child's back-to-school fears.

For more information on this topic or any other issue concerning headaches, call 1-888-NHF-5552 or visit www. headaches. org.