Back-to-School Season May Increase Migraine Attacks Among Children and Teens
As the new school year begins, children and adolescents who suffer from migraines may experience an increase in the frequency of their attacks. The transition from summer vacation to a structured school routine brings changes in sleep patterns, meal schedules, emotional stress, and increased screen time, all of which can trigger migraines. According to a meta-analysis published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, about 11% of children and teens worldwide suffer from migraines, with prevalence rising from around 5% in ages 5 to 10 to approximately 15% during adolescence.
Migraine attacks in children often include moderate to severe headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Unlike adults, children may experience pain on both sides of the head. These attacks can disrupt daily activities, leading to school absences, learning difficulties, reduced concentration, and social withdrawal. A study in JAMA Pediatrics linked headaches in children to impaired school performance and attendance.
Prof. Yaakov Genizi, head of the pediatric neurology unit at Bnei Zion Medical Center, explains that triggers during the school return period include altered sleep schedules, skipped meals, dehydration, academic and emotional stress, anxiety about school, and abrupt routine changes. Prolonged screen exposure for learning and leisure can also exacerbate symptoms. Since triggers vary among individuals, maintaining a consistent routine, ensuring regular meals and hydration, limiting screen time before bed, and encouraging physical activity are recommended preventive measures.
Parents are advised to keep a headache diary to track attack patterns and potential triggers. When a migraine begins at school, resting in a quiet, dark place and drinking water may help. Children diagnosed with migraines should have a prearranged care plan with school staff, including authorized treatments and rest areas.
Recent advances include treatments targeting the CGRP protein involved in migraine mechanisms. In August 2025, the FDA approved fremanezumab, a monthly injection for preventing episodic migraines in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 weighing at least 45 kilograms. Treatment suitability depends on attack frequency, severity, functional impact, and medical evaluation by pediatric or pediatric neurology specialists.
Urgent medical attention is necessary for sudden severe headaches, worsening pain, nighttime awakenings, repeated vomiting, vision problems, weakness, speech or balance difficulties, seizures, confusion, high fever with neck stiffness, or headaches following head trauma. Proper diagnosis is crucial as not all headaches in children are migraines, and unusual symptoms require thorough medical assessment.
