Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/947715
22 Hudson Valley Parent
n
March 2018
relievers until we were referred to a
pediatric neurologist in Albany," she says.
Avoiding triggers
Even after the diagnosis of a
migraine, children can continue to
suffer. What triggers a migraine
episode for each person is totally
unique. Certain foods, lack of sleep
or dehydration are triggers for some
kids. Too much exercise or change
of seasons can trigger others.
Parents can find themselves playing
detective trying to track down
exactly what tips off their child's
painful symptoms.
VanLeuven says the doctor told
her to keep a diary of her daughter's
symptoms and potential triggers.
"After keeping the diary we learned
that stress and lack of sleep were
major triggers for her as well as
sugar intake. During the summer
when she is in summer camp or any
kind of sports that cause natural
dehydration she suffers the most."
Finding the right treatment
For some parents one trip to the
doctor doesn't give them the answers
they need. Seeking out a specialist can
send parents on a lengthy journey to
discover the root cause of their child's
migraine episodes.
Paterson says, "The process was
and still is grueling; I never imagined
you would have to advocate and fight
so much to help your child get better.
We have met with over 10 neurologists
between outpatient and inpatient
treatment stemming from Albany to
Philadelphia. We have seen neurologists,
headache specialists, rheumatologists,
cardiologists, an ENT, allergists,
immunologists and gastroenterologists
(for abdominal migraines and Gastro
paresis)," she says.
There are over one hundred
medications designed to treat
MIGRAINES
(Continued from Page 20)
OF
SMILES!
TO
A
SUMMER
WELCOME...
A camp is where your children can learn new skills, make new friends,
experiment with ideas and grow in self-esteem.
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