Learn more about the causes, symptoms, risks, and side effects of children taking Excedrin Migraine.
Causes of Migraines in Children
About 3%–10% of children experience migraines, and the risk increases with age through puberty.
Migraines occur in children for a variety of reasons, some of which include:
Infection and illness: Children sometimes have a headache that accompanies a cold, sinus infection, or the flu. Although these types of illnesses can occur at any time of the year, they most commonly occur between October and May, the traditional cold and flu season. Genetics: Migraines often run in families. About 60%–70% of children who have migraines have a parent or immediate family member who also experiences migraines. Mental health: Stress or anxiety related to school or family problems can cause headaches in children. Head trauma: Head injuries are obvious culprits of headaches and migraine pain. Take your child to see a physician if they have experienced a head injury and are having headaches. Dietary: Changes to normal eating patterns or skipping meals can cause migraines in children. Some specific foods and drinks may increase the likelihood of headaches in children, too, including chocolate, cheese, fermented foods, foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG), and caffeine. Environmental factors: Things like secondhand smoke, strong perfumes, pollution, loud noises, and strong lighting or strobe lights can cause migraines in children.
Child Migraine Symptoms
Symptoms of children’s migraines can vary from mild to severe. They include:
Pounding or throbbing head painNausea or vomitingSensitivity to light or soundIrritabilityPale skinChanges in appetiteVision problems
Symptoms may also depend on the type of headache your child is having.
Tension headache: Tension headaches cause mild to moderate pain and usually resolve within a day. They are also sometimes referred to as stress headaches. Children may refer to this as pressure surrounding the head. Chronic migraine headache: Chronic migraines are recurrent, painful headaches that occur up to 15 days a month or more, lasting for more than four hours. These are particularly common in teenagers. Symptoms include throbbing head pain, nausea, abdominal pain, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headache: Migraine headaches are more painful and last longer than most other headaches. Migraines can vary in intensity but often include nausea and light sensitivity. About 25% of children who experience a migraine also experience an aura as a migraine is coming on. An aura is a signal that occurs shortly before a migraine starts and can last 20–60 minutes. An aura can consist of blurry or distorted vision, flashing lights, and an inability to speak, smell, taste, or move.
Can Children Take Excedrin Migraine?
If you are considering treating your child’s migraines with Excedrin Migraine, talk to your pediatrician or healthcare provider first.
Excedrin Migraine contains aspirin, which has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal illness in children. You should not give a child medication containing aspirin if they are recovering from a viral illness, such as the flu or chicken pox.
Excedrin Migraine also contains acetaminophen and caffeine, so you will want to consider any effects these ingredients could have on your child’s health as well.
Speaking with your healthcare provider to discuss your child’s specific symptoms will determine whether it’s safe to treat your child’s migraines with Excedrin Migraine.
Risks and Side Effects of Aspirin in Children
Children with the following conditions should not take Excedrin Migraine or any other medication containing aspirin:
Asthma Allergies to aspirin or other salicylates Kidney disease or liver disease Bleeding disorders Congestive heart failure, heart disease, or high blood pressure
As with any medication, aspirin has potential risks and side effects in both adults and children. These may include:
Nausea or vomitingHeartburnStomach pain or cramps
If your child experiences any unusual symptoms or issues while taking Excedrin Migraine, discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Ways to Prevent Migraines in Children
You can help prevent your child’s migraines and manage symptoms by encouraging behavioral changes such as:
Ensuring your child sticks to a consistent sleep schedule Encouraging your child to get some form of exercise every dayKeeping your child hydrated and eating a healthy dietEncouraging rest and relaxationDocumenting situations when your child’s headache occurs to identify triggers
You may also consider talking with your physician about potential medications to use at the very start of a headache or migraine to help lessen the magnitude of the pain.
Seeking Professional Help
The decision to treat your child’s migraines with Excedrin Migraine is difficult and should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who knows your child’s medical history.
Serious side effects may occur with Excedrin Migraine. If you witness any severe side effects as a result of treating your child’s migraine with Excedrin Migraine, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
A Word From Verywell
Living with migraines and head pain can be frustrating. It’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider about what medications your child should take to manage pain, and whether Excedrin Migraine is safe for your child.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having regular checkups, and establishing a treatment plan with a trusted healthcare provider are the best preventive steps you can take in your child’s overall health.
