Pratibha Vashisht
INTRODUCTION
A migraine is a throbbing and painful headache which is felt in one side of the head and can last from hours to days. It can worsen with physical activity, exposure to bright light, loud noises and, strong odours. Experiencing regular migraines can severely affect everyday activities and act as a stressor for adolescents causing difficulties in social life, psychological wellbeing, emotional health and more. This paper aims to explore the effects of migraines on adolescents in detail while also going through treatments and ways to relief troubles caused by frequent migraines.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Adolescents often experience migraines that manifest differently than in adults. The head pain in teenagers may not always be the most intense symptom; instead, they might present with symptoms like abdominal pain or vomiting. Typically, adolescent migraine attacks can last from two hours to three days, with symptoms including bilateral headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. These variations can complicate diagnoses, as symptoms may differ not just between individuals but also across different stages of adolescence. (American Headache
Society, 2022)
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
The psychological toll of migraines on adolescents is significant. Episodes of migraine can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression (Kabbouche, 2008), particularly when they interfere with school and social activities. Adolescents who suffer from frequent migraines are often at a higher risk for developing mood disorders, resulting in increased feelings of helplessness and decreased self-esteem (Bryn Mawr Communications, n.d.). Chronic pain and the fear of future
attacks contribute to a cycle of distress that can further exacerbate mental health issues.
SOCIAL LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS
Migraines can severely impair social interactions and relationships. Adolescents may often miss social events or school gatherings, leading to feelings of isolation (Canfora, 2023). The unpredictability of migraine attacks can make it challenging for teens to commit to plans, which in turn affects their friendships and social standing among peers. As a result, many adolescents may feel alienated or misunderstood by their friends, contributing to a decline in social skills and further compounding feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
Effective management of migraines necessitates exploring various lifestyle changes. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, consistent meal times, and proper hydration can help reduce the frequency of attacks. Additionally, stress management techniques like yoga or mindfulness may alleviate symptom severity, while keeping a migraine diary can assist in identifying triggers. (American Headache Society, 2022)
CONCLUSION
Experiencing migraines not only cause physical distress but also affect the social and psychological state of adolescents. Adolescents suffering from migraines are more prone to developing depression and feeling of helplessness because of compromised social and academic life. Adjusting ones' lifestyle by adapting to habits such as good diet, regular sleep schedule can improve the conditions.
REFERENCES
Migraine in Adolescents Patient Overview | American Headache Society. (2022). American Headache Society. https://americanheadachesociety.org/news/migraine-in-the-adolescent-patient-overview/
Kabbouche MA, Gilman DK. Management of migraine in adolescents. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008;4(3):535-548 https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S495
Migraine in Children and Adolescents - Practical Neurology. (2024). Practical Neurology. https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2023-may-june/migraine-in-children-and-adolescents
Canfora, M., Pallotto, I. K., Davis, J. K., Farley, S., Khayata, M. J., Hornik, C. P., Reeve, B. B.,
Rikhi, A., Gelfand, A. A., Szperka, C. L., Kessel, S., Pezzuto, T., Hammett, A., & Lemmon, M. E.
(2023). More Than a Headache: Lived Experience of Migraine in Youth. Pediatric Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.05.019
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