Pediatric Headache Specialist, NYU Langone

Valentina Popova, MD

"We tried to adjust that with the school so that they get less headaches because of it, and as well as have a conversation about the real diagnosis, the ramifications of it, and how we can best help the child succeed within those parameters.”

With its headache attacks, nausea, and cascade of other symptoms, migraine is particularly difficult to deal with because of its sometimes-unpredictable nature. Despite it being genetic in cause, there have been several stigmas driven by society that can downplay the impact migraine has on individuals with it.

People with migraine may be viewed as attention seeking or told that their attacks are nothing more than “just a headache.” As a result, migraineurs can experience differential treatment from friends, loved ones, and coworkers. Children and adolescents who experience pediatric migraine may be exposed to these stigmas even more in school environments.

Valentina Popova, MD, pediatric headache specialist, 

, feels as though its important to get physicians involved with schools so that they can outline what the diagnosis is, what it entails, and come up with a plan for the child that tailers to both their educational needs and migraine treatment regimen. Popova sat down with 

to discuss how, as a society, we can begin to change the stigmas related to migraine.

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The pediatric headache specialist at NYU Langone provided an inside perspective on the effect that societal stigmas have on those with pediatric migraine and how to address those stigmas. 

Eliminating Migraine Stigmas Through Education: Valentina Popova, MD

"Eating breakfast in the morning with some protein is important to try to prevent migraines throughout the day. Hydrating and drinking an adequate amount of water is important as well. For an adult, it’s about 8 to 10 cups a day, but in kids it depends on how big they are. We talk to the kids and parents to individualize this.”

Pediatric migraine is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan with the aid of specialists who understand and have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine. There are a number of other treatment regimens, including using acute medication, preventive treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Children experiencing an increase in headache frequency may benefit from lifestyle modifications aimed at increasing hydration and sleep, eating regular meals, reducing stress, taking regular breaks in a busy schedule, being more active, and reducing frequent rescue medication use. As Valentina Popova, MD, notes, migraine is a genetic diagnosis that requires children to be educated about at a young age, and developing a regular healthy lifestyle schedule is key to migraine prevention for these young patients.

Popova, a pediatric headache specialist at 

to discuss the management of pediatric migraine and the necessary adjustments children and parents need to make to treat it appropriately.

The pediatric headache specialist at NYU Langone discussed the lifestyle choices children and parents must make to ensure optimal management of pediatric migraine. 

Lifestyle Adjustments to Manage Pediatric Migraine: Valentina Popova, MD

"It’s important to educate parents and schools because that’s a large part of the people that interact with kids and where their migraines present.”

Each June, the international medical community celebrates National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month to raise awareness and lower the stigma associated with migraine disease and headache disorders. While migraine is typically associated with adult populations, it can be very common among children, and has been reported in those as young as 18 months old.

About 10% of school-age children suffer from migraine, and up to 28% of adolescents between 15 to 19 years are affected by it. Additionally, about half of all migraine sufferers are estimated to have their first attack before the age of 12 years. Valentina Popova, MD, told 

that there’s an additive stress to identify the signs these children may show and direct them to a migraine specialist as early as possible.

, sat down to discuss the signs and symptoms associated with pediatric headaches, and to share her thoughts on the current level of awareness for this condition and if it has reached its full potential.

Ailano S. 6 Common types of migraine in children and youth. Practical Pain Management. Updated June 16, 2020. Accessed June 25, 2021. 

https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/patient/conditions/headache/6-common-types-migraine-children-youth

The pediatric headache specialist at NYU Langone discussed what physicians should be aware of related to the signs and symptoms associated with pediatric migraine. 

Valentina Popova, MD

Articles

Eliminating Migraine Stigmas Through Education: Valentina Popova, MD

Lifestyle Adjustments to Manage Pediatric Migraine: Valentina Popova, MD

Raising Awareness for Pediatric Migraine: Valentina Popova, MD