Are frequent headaches always migraines? Danger signs parents must know
There is a real case of a 17-year-old child with continuous headaches whose condition did not improve after taking migraine medication, ultimately resulting in a ruptured brain blood vessel and death, meaning parents should observe their child's symptoms in detail.
Dr. Pracha provided information as follows: Headaches are often perceived as migraines, especially in adolescents or school-age children. However, not every headache is always a migraine. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a more serious disease, such as increased intracranial pressure or a ruptured brain blood vessel.
Headache symptoms for which you should immediately see a physician
If your child has these symptoms along with a headache, you should not be complacent, because it might not be an ordinary migraine.
Severe headache, especially in the morning
Nausea, vomiting
Abnormal vision, or experiencing increased headache upon seeing light
Fever
Weakness, lack of strength in limbs
Bradycardia (slow heart rate), high blood pressure, or irregular breathing
These symptoms are associated with increased intracranial pressure (Increased ICP), which, if severe, will lead to a condition called Cushing’s Triad, consisting of:
High blood pressure
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Irregular breathing
This is a danger sign indicating that the brain is lacking blood and is close to losing function.
Crucial Diagnostic Tests
When an abnormality in the brain is suspected, the physician will perform an evaluation using a CT Scan or MRI to find out whether there is bleeding or a mass in the brain, including an eye examination to check for “papilledema” (swollen optic disc), which is another sign of high intracranial pressure.
What Parents Should Do
If your child experiences headache, nausea, and vomiting, especially in the morning, or has other accompanying abnormal symptoms, do not assume it is just a migraine. You should immediately see a physician to find the cause in detail, because early diagnosis and treatment will help prevent life-threatening danger.
A headache is not a minor matter, especially when accompanied by abnormal symptoms. A checkup should be performed to ensure accuracy for the safety of your child and family.