Headache Program

The first step in headache and migraine treatment is to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Without these other treatments may not work:

• Sleep: The brain loves routine. This is very true when it comes to sleep. It is important to stick to a routine wake and sleep schedule and to get a good amount of sleep. 
• Meals and hydration: Children should eat 5-6 times per day. This can be done by eating three meals with healthy snacks in between. Additionally, children should carry a water bottle with them to remind them to drink water. Clear urine is the goal!
• Activity: By exercising, you build new “highways” (blood vessels) in your body that help oxygen and other important nutrients more efficiently get to nerve cells in your brain. As a result, exercise actually helps make new nerve cells in your brain, keeps nerve cells healthy, and helps them work better. Getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity in per day is a powerful tool for combating headache and migraine.
• Relaxation and stress reduction: Stress can make headaches and migraines much worse. A great way to reduce stress is to have a wind down routine before bed. This could include reading, listening to an audiobook/podcast, taking a bath or shower, or meditating.
• Trigger avoidance: Some children may have triggers that are specific to them including specific foods, smells, and even different types of lighting. Everything listed above can be a trigger if the patient is not getting enough of it, i.e., water, sleep, activity, relaxation, etc.

• Forms that are vital to the visit will be sent via e -mail prior to the appointment. It is imperative that these forms be completed and returned 48hrs prior to the appointment or the appointment may be rescheduled.
• Patients and families check into station 6 on the third floor of the Primary Children's Outpatient Services Building.
• Your child will spend approximately 40 minutes with one of the neurologists to discuss symptoms, do a complete exam, and talk about treatment options. Next, you and your child will meet with a psychologist who will review cognitive behavioral therapies aimed at mindfulness, stress reduction and pain management. Lastly, you and your child will spend 10 minutes with our nurse educator discussing lifestyle modifications geared towards decreasing the frequency and severity of your child's headaches.

All patients and families will receive a printed summary report of the visit, providing information about headache prevention and management, further testing is necessary and follow-up appointments. Prescriptions, if given, are electronically sent to the patient's pharmacy. Information about how to contact us between appointments is also on the report.

All return visits are with an advanced care provider who specializes in pediatric headache care. These visits are typically less than 45 minutes.

• Please arrive 10 minutes before your visit to fill out paperwork
• Check in at station 6 on the third floor of the Primary Children’s Outpatient Services Building

Many patients and families want to know what is causing the headaches. During the visit, we will gather information including the history of the headaches, family history and a detailed neurologic exam. Most headaches are caused by the brain being oversensitive to pain, not a different disease process. Our training and experience will help us determine if further testing is necessary. Learning how to identify/avoid headache triggers and figuring out what works to treat headaches at home when they do occur are often the most beneficial strategies.

• Keep a headache diary noting when you have headaches, how long the headaches last, what is happening around the time of the headaches, dates of menstrual cycle (if applicable), and any treatments attempted.
• Pay attention to foods or situations that may trigger headaches.
• Bring a record of medication you have already tried and ask family members if any of them have frequent headaches.
• Ensure that over the counter medications , such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, and naproxen, are not being overused. Over the counted medications should not be used more than 2-3 times per week to avoid medication overuse headache.