Pediatric Migraine Headaches

Many children that suffer from migraine headaches are living in pain. This is because most cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, as young children are less likely to be able to describe their symptoms, and many adults and even physicians might think their pain is associated with something else.

Children often experience pain on both sides of their head (adults usually have pain on one side). They are frequently sensitive to light and smells during a migraine. Children are also more susceptible to nausea and vomiting during their migraine episode and once they vomit, their symptoms usually subside.

Migraines can affect children occasionally, frequently, or daily. While some are sharp and piercing, others can be dull and throbbing. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step to ruling out any other causes or concerns and for getting the proper treatment for your child.

Usually, NSAIDs like ibuprofen are ineffective at reducing pain, and they certainly don’t address nausea and vomiting that are so commonly associated with migraines. If your child has four or more migraine headaches per month, they are at risk for developing chronic migraines over time. However, all migraines are disruptive and painful for children, making schoolwork and other activities difficult.

Several conditions and dietary influences exacerbate migraines:
• Allergies
• Bright lights
• Spine disorders
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Preservatives
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress
• Strong odors
• Tight neck and shoulder muscles
• Weather conditions (barometric pressure)
• Teens: hormonal imbalance

Some children have prodrome, which can precede migraine episodes. Some of the prodrome symptoms are fatigue, mood swings, food cravings and environmental stimuli to lighting and odors.

It can be challenging to treat pediatric migraines effectively. If your child suffers from migraines, ForCare Clinical Research is conducting several clinical trials testing new medications to treat and prevent migraines.

ForCare Treatment for Migraines:
There is no cure for migraines. However, medications can treat symptoms when they arise and may help prevent future episodes.

Common treatment options include:
• Pain-relieving medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, triptans, dihydroergotamine, anti-nausea drugs and lasmiditan.
• Preventative medications: Blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs.
• Lifestyle and home remedies: Biofeedback, developing a sleeping and eating routine, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercise.

At ForCare Medical Center, we can help you manage your child’s symptoms caused by migraines and find relief. While there are treatment options available, Forcare Clinical Research is paving the way for newly developed treatments with advanced clinical trials.

Seth Forman, M.D. is The Lead
Physician Overseeing ForCare Clinical Research
Dr. Seth B. Forman, award-winning Dermatologist, is owner of the ForCare Medical Group and has provided patient care for 12 years. He is Board Certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology.

Dr. Forman graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and completed his residency in a training program dedicated to dermatology and skin care at the Medical College of Virginia. He served as Chief Resident during his final year of training. Following that, he completed an advanced fellowship in dermatopathology at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Additional fellowships include the Radiation Oncology Summer Fellow at The Medical College of Virginia and the Microsoft Interactive Fellow at the University of Southern California.

Dr. Forman’s research has led to his writing numerous peer-reviewed articles about various dermatological issues printed in select publications. Additionally, he is the primary author of two chapters in Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy, the leading reference textbook for dermatological therapeutics.

Dr. Forman is the winner of the AAMC/Pfizer Caring for Community Grant, American Cancer Society Community Service Grant and Mellette Cancer Scholarship. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Hillsborough County Medical Association and The American Medical Association.

A much sought-after speaker, Dr. Forman is a Regional Board Member for the American Cancer Society, Board Chair of Hillel Academy and has served as Board Member of The Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), The Medical College of Virginia.

ForCare Clinical Research (FCR), an independent, multi-specialty clinical research facility, is located in Tampa, Florida. Since its inception in 2012, FCR has focused on providing access to novel treatment and therapies for both chronic and acute conditions. Our Investigators have over 40 years of combined research experience and a proven record of successful execution of Phase I through Phase IV industry-led trials. Our Investigators are board certified in dermatology, rheumatology, internal medicine, family practice, anatomic pathology, dermatopathology and internal medicine. ForCare Clinical Research routinely exceeds enrollment expectations, preserves subject retention, reduces trial timelines and delivers reproducible, quality data.

ForCare Medical Practice in Tampa, FL
ForCare medical practice is dedicated to improving the health of Tampa, FL and surrounding areas. With advanced treatment options and passionate providers. They have a comprehensive practice that includes, dermatology, rheumatology, primary care and a clinical trials division.

ForCare Medical Practice in Tampa, FL
15416 North Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33613