13 year old DD migranes?

[PenguinPandas]

13 year old DD normally never gets ill. Last December she got really violent headaches which made her sick for few days, said she felt like dying. Doctors just said ibuprofen but didn't do much.

This week she's got violent headaches back, said pain down one side of body, been sick with coughing like last time, sensitive to light, said feels like dying. Couple of friends have got flu so could be that but wondering about migraines. Currently refusing to see doctor but will drag her there if no improvement. Just over a month since last time, really ill crying saying she's dying and sleeping a lot. Cat not helping by howling trying to wake her.

Does anyone know if sounds like migraines? No rash so don't think its meningitis. Flu possible as friends have it but sensitive to light and exactly like a month ago so veering towards migraines. She struggles to sleep well at night. Been perfectly well inbetween. No obvious eyesight issues but could get tested. Thanks.

Heart tested month ago and fine.

Could be migraine. I get terrible migraines and have done since childhood.

They can be caused by hormones, like related to the menstrual cycle. Don't know if that's something to think about, just with you saying it last happened about a month ago.

Ibuprofen is actually a great first line treatment so I'd go ahead and see if that improves things. Probably worth getting her checked out by GP if it's very bad.

migraines started around a similar age for me, hormone linked i guess. I narrowed it down to not being able to eat chocolate or drink coffee within the week leading up to my period. also in the same week to be careful about getting enough sleep and wearing sunglasses if it was sunny out.
I always carried migraleve tablets and take them the very second i get a suspected one starting. you have to catch it quick..
luckily they were something I seem to have mostly grown out of

Yes, I find avoiding dairy, chocolate, and foods with a high sugar content helps me. I get menstrual migraine too, it's related to the drop in oestrogen.

My migraines are pretty bad, I get at least one a week if not more. I take propranolol which helps as a prophylactic. I also use triptans.

I don't think you can buy Migraleve anymore. Which is no bad thing as it was very expensive and there is no evidence to support the use of codeine in migraine anyway.

My cousin suffered from sever migraines and she used to literally put her head in the pool because the cold helped it feel better. They got so bad her parents have her cannabis drops and apparently it helped.

Thanks very much, very helpful. She recently started periods so hormonal could well be possible - was about 1 month 1 week apart but will try and ask her if same time as periods.

It does appear to be overwhelming pain, she's crying, lying on floor and normally never complains. Only thing is she has a cough so maybe it is flu but I never had trouble with light or sick with standard flu.

My migraines started with my periods at 12, they were awful so my GP put me on the contraceptive pill and they were much better.

My migraines started at about that age. Really debilitating when they first started - pain, vomiting, visual disturbances and weakness/tingling down one side. Somewhat improved after puberty but the pain and regularity was still bad. Eventually was put on propranolol (unsure of suitability for kids mind you) which helped tonnes and I only get the very occasional ocular migraine these days - which are pretty scary until you realise what they are but painless.

Thanks very much. She eventually emerged from her darkened room and is starting to get better. Got out of her that this one started day after her period ended but doesn't know about last time but said it was almost exactly a month, think its 5 weeks. So don't know if a hormone link or not.

Said she was sweating a lot which could be the fever or hormones. Asked her about her eyes and said she does have problems were her eyesight goes strange and she sees lights but about once a month. Has been having mood swings since having periods.

The pill thing is interesting - I wondered about that for mood swings as quite extreme - she's gone from gentle to violent against me on a bad day and its so unlike her. Its getting much better and she's got herself a boxing bag "to use instead of me" but would be better if could get some help. DH is totally opposed and can see why but if its also causing these headaches she can't go through this every month and worth a try. She said she would like to try and see if it stops them but will see what doctors think. Thanks very much.

The contraceptive pill is contraindicated in migraine due to the oestrogen. But the progesterone only pill (mini-pill) is good, and if she is having menstrual migraine may be beneficial. I'd speak to your GP

I always think that a visit to the opticians is well worth it. One to see if any eye issue could be causing it but perhaps most importantly to exclude any serious problems which the optician would be able to spot often better than a doctor.

Sounds very likely to be migraines. I have chronic migraine syndrome (3-4 a week) and unfortunately dd2 who will be 4 next month also has them (diagnosed officially at 2.5) but hers are monthly almost to the day unless unusual weather acts as a trigger for extra ones. At 12 it's worth seeing the doctor to see if any of the available treatments will help some good options available from 6/8 up.

Thanks very much. Will go to opticians and doctors. Still ill today.

Sorry to hear your 3 year old has them Loyal

Got emergency doctors appointment today as DD is still really ill - they were borderline on go to A&E or emergency doctors within hour due to risk of meningitis. Doctor thinks migraines more likely so will see what they say.

My migraines often last days. I hope she feels better soon, I really feel for her as migraines are horrendous.

Thanks doctor said its migraines and prescribed some painkillers.

Glad she's got some painkillers it's horrible seeing them suffer