June 26
Monday's A Headache
	According to information presented at a recent American Headache Society meeting, teens suffering from migraines were more likely to have their worst symptoms at the beginning of the week. Migraines were most common on Mondays, and to a lesser extent, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Saturdays were most likely to be headache free — less than ten percent of the teens reported symptoms. Most of the headaches occurred between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and required at least one dose of medicine. Activity made the headaches worse. Migraine symptoms can vary. A migraine can include an aura, such as seeing flashing lights or wavy lines, followed by a headache; nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound is common. Sleep usually helps the headache. If your child has recurrent or severe headaches, they should be evaluated to make sure of the diagnosis and so the right treatment can be prescribed. If the headache follows a head injury or there is fever, seek attention right away.
	Do we know why the headaches are worse at the beginning of the week? The researchers think it’s the stress of a new week, just like it is for many of us. Stress is a common migraine trigger in both adults and teens. Lack of sleep or bad eating habits can compound the problem. So anything we can do to help these teens reduce their stress, will most likely help their headaches.
	RESOURCES: American Council for Headache Education www.achenet.org When Kids Get Headaches Nemours Foundation kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/headache.html Headache: Hope Through Research National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke www.ninds.nih.gov/patinets/Disorder/Headache/head4.htm