GP appointment to discuss DS(6) migraines/headaches - what do I ask?

[feetheart]

DS (only 6) had first migraine at 3 and has had them occasionally ever since - they now seem to come every 6 months or so. They seem to last 2 days then it takes about 2 weeks for him to be himself again - worn out, underlying headache that flares up again, etc.

Took him to GP in June and again this March, both times after a migraine, but not much joy and different GPs. This time the underlying headaches are still around nearly 2 months after the migraine so I have made an appointment today for just me to go and see GP (another different one as other two aren't available)

What do I ask?
What do I need to get checked out?
What do I need to insist on?

Has he seen a paed and had childhood migraine formally diagnosed?
This should be done to rule out anything else, sinus problems etc and get a firm diagnosis.

It's then a case of looking at triggers. In my ds case it was stress related so for us it was a case of removing stress and helping him learn to cope.

He was six or seven when referred, is now sixteen and stil prone to headaches but nothing as bad as when he was young.

Good luck

Thanks for reply.
Nothing has been formally diagnosed, first GP just said to make sure he is hydrated, second said it wasn't worth him going on medication as migraines were so far apart (which I agreed with) but nothing else has been mentioned/suggested.

I think I need to push for some investigations to see if they can work out what is going on, hence going to see GP on my own, but I'm feeling a bit out of my depth.

.

Anyone?

I suspect that depending on severity the doc might give you some mirgaine meds for your kid, but much more likely will look at exclusion diet.

common migraine culprits are, caffine, so knock fizzy drinks and chocolate of list for 6 weeks or so.

add to that cheese, because of its histamine content,

and then citrus fruit .....as thats a cause, but i cant remember why...

and then get them off the x-box, play station and lots of tv.

good luck.

btw , this exclusion stuff worked wonders for our son, and after we did that, has never had any severe migraine at all since then.

Thanks, will bear that list in mind.

GP will see him next week to do all the tests they can do at the surgery then refer him for further testing. At least things are moving now.

Thanks for replies people

I had migraines at that age so much sympathies to your ds, I assume you have had his eyes tested?

My mother used to get regular migraines until she became vegetarian - she's not had one since.

I would think about whether he has had any other symptoms such as vomiting, vision problems, trouble with balance or coordination that may be related and could help build up a bigger picture.

I would be asking for/insisting on an MRI scan tbh as his migraines are becoming more frequent, and the headaches continuing for longer.

I would also start keeping a food diary now, as the GP may well ask you to do so, so you'd have a headstart there.

I'm glad things seem to be moving for you now - the time has come for you to be firm and insistant. Hopefully you will see a GP who listens to mother's instinct that things aren't right.

You and especially ds shouldn't be expected to just live with this. Hope you are able to get to the bottom of it - do come back and let us know how you get on.

Good luck

I was going to suggest a food diary too, or better still try an exclusion diet.

If you are still concerned, ask for a referral to a paediatrician who has an interest in childhood migraine.

My ds has had very severe migraines since the age of 3, and after lots of time getting nowhere i insisted on a referral and we haven't looked back.

His paediatrician ordered a MRI , heart scan to look for PFO,started him on a six week food exclusion diet ( we found a link to tomatoes) and prescribed him on a preventative drug and made sure he had better pain relief .

Really hope you get it sorted, i never realised how severe migraines can be, i am afraid i was one of those who thought it was just a bad headache.