Can telemedicine treat Migraine?

Audience: pediatric

Migraines are a common type of headache that can affect children and teens. They often cause intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Telemedicine can be a helpful way for families to talk with healthcare providers about migraine symptoms without needing to visit a clinic in person. Through video or phone visits, doctors can learn about the child's headache patterns, suggest ways to manage symptoms, and recommend treatments that may help. Telemedicine is especially useful for follow-up care and for families who have difficulty traveling. However, some situations require an in-person visit, such as sudden severe headaches or changes in vision. This guide explains how telemedicine can support care for pediatric migraines, what to prepare before a virtual visit, and when to seek urgent medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache that is different from usual migraines — seek emergency care immediately.
• Headache accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or weakness — go to urgent medical care.
• Headache after a recent head injury — get prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of migraine symptoms and history.
• Discussion of triggers and lifestyle factors.
• Medication management and follow-up care.
• Education on symptom tracking and prevention strategies.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency evaluation for sudden, severe headaches.
• Assessment of neurological changes like vision loss or weakness.
• Diagnosis of serious underlying conditions requiring physical exams or imaging.
• Treatment of headaches resulting from head trauma or infections.

What is a migraine in children?

Migraines are more than just bad headaches. In children, they can cause throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise. Migraines can last from a few hours to several days and may affect a child’s ability to attend school or enjoy activities.

How can telemedicine help with pediatric migraines?

Telemedicine allows families to connect with healthcare providers using video calls, phone, or online messaging. For migraines, telemedicine can help by:

This approach is convenient and can reduce the need for travel, especially for follow-up visits.

When telemedicine may not be enough

Some migraine symptoms need an in-person evaluation, including:

In these cases, urgent medical care is important to rule out other serious conditions.

Preparing for a telemedicine visit

To get the most from a telemedicine appointment:

After the telemedicine visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down the child's headache symptoms, including how often and how long they last.
• Note any possible triggers such as foods, stress, or sleep changes.
• List all current medications and supplements the child is taking.
• Choose a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the visit.
• Have a device ready with camera and microphone for video calls.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and medication instructions provided.
• Keep a headache diary to monitor symptoms and triggers.
• Implement recommended lifestyle changes like regular sleep and hydration.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Seek urgent care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose migraines in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers learn about your child's symptoms and history to suggest if migraines are likely. However, some cases may require an in-person exam or tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Are medicines for migraines safe to discuss over telemedicine?

Yes, healthcare providers can recommend and adjust migraine medicines during telemedicine visits. They will consider your child's health history and any other medications to ensure safety.

What should I do if my child’s headache suddenly gets worse?

If your child has a sudden, severe headache that is different from usual, or if they have symptoms like fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or weakness, seek emergency medical care right away.

How can I help prevent migraines in my child?

Common ways to reduce migraines include ensuring regular sleep, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers like certain foods or bright lights. Your healthcare provider can guide you on prevention strategies.

Sources

1. Migraine in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Headaches in Children and Teens — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Migraine — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Migraine Information — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.