Dear Doc

A doctor diagnosed me with having migraines about four months ago. However I have been getting really painful headaches every day, a bit of memory loss, vision changes, nausea and people look a bit a different to me (more alien kind of looking). Do you think this is migraine? Or something serious like a brain tumour? Please advise on what you think it is.

Becky, 13

Have you told your doctor or your parents about your worries? The best way to put your mind at ease or to get further help would be to talk to an adult you trust.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about your fears of having a brain tumour. They can give you more information about illnesses associated with migraines and headaches and talk through your worries. If there is no cause for concern they will be able to reassure you or, if necessary, encourage you to have more tests.

Migraines

There is a chance that these headaches are migraines but if you are having them everyday, it would be a good idea to see your doctor again.

Migraines are very severe forms of headaches. People usually start to get them when they are in their teens and they can last from a few hours to a few days.

When a migraine starts, the blood vessels in your head start to shrink and then swell, which causes pain. You might have certain triggers, such as, bright lights, loud noises, weather changes, stress, certain food and drink, missed meals, or tiredness. They can also be linked to your periods.

You often know when a migraine is coming because there are certain ‘warning signals’. You might see flashing lights, get blurred vision, feel uncomfortable in bright light or even be sick.  Some migraines can make you feel tired, depressed or restless before the migraine starts.

Stop the ache

Your doctor might prescribe some specific migraine or general headache medication which you can buy at your local pharmacy. Make sure you follow the instructions at all times and take your medication as soon as you feel the headache pain coming on.

There are other ways you can try to help the pain:

• Lie down in a quiet, dark room as soon as you feel the ‘warning signals’ start.
• Try to sleep or rest.
• Listen to some soothing music to help you relax, but don’t read or watch TV.
• Place a cool flannel on your forehead.

Next time you get a headache write down what you have eaten in the two days before. Over time, you may start to see that some foods or drinks are linked to your symptoms. Avoiding these foods in the future might help reduce your migraine attacks. However, never cut out a major food without getting advice from your doctor first.

Visit your doctor

If a painful headache doesn’t get better after 24 hours with medication and rest, or you start to develop a high temperature, visit your doctor.

For more help and information

Migraine 4 Kids is a website for children run by The Migraine Action Association.

Cluster Headaches Worldwide Support Group provides support and advice to people with cluster headaches.

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 6 November 2007

Copyright © Great Ormond Street Hospital