How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Migraine in Children

Audience: pediatric

If your child has migraines, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand their symptoms and discuss ways to manage them. Preparing well for the visit helps make the most of the time with the provider. During the video visit, you can talk about your child's headache patterns, triggers, and any medicines they take. The provider may ask about how the headaches affect daily activities and sleep. While telemedicine can help with education, advice, and follow-up, it cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care if serious symptoms occur. Being ready with notes about your child's headaches and any questions will help the visit go smoothly. Remember, if your child has sudden severe symptoms or changes in behavior, seek in-person care immediately.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden onset of very severe headache unlike previous headaches — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking during or after a headache — call emergency services.
• High fever with stiff neck or confusion along with headache — go to emergency care right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing headache symptoms and history.
• Providing education about migraine triggers and management.
• Reviewing current medications and suggesting lifestyle changes.
• Planning follow-up care and monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical neurological exam.
• Diagnosing serious conditions that require in-person tests.
• Managing emergencies or sudden severe symptoms.
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person evaluation.

What is a Migraine in Children?

Migraines are more than just headaches. They are a type of headache that can cause throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Children may also feel sick to their stomach, vomit, or be sensitive to light and sound. Migraines can last from a few hours to a few days and may affect your child's ability to do schoolwork or play.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider from home. They can ask about your child's headache history, symptoms, and any treatments tried. The provider can offer advice on managing migraines, suggest lifestyle changes, and discuss when to seek further care. Telemedicine is a good way to check in regularly or get answers to questions without traveling.

What to Prepare Before the Visit

Write down details about your child's headaches, such as when they started, how often they happen, how long they last, and what seems to trigger them. Note any medicines or remedies used and how well they worked. Prepare questions you want to ask the provider. Make sure your device is charged and has a good internet connection for the video call.

Red Flags to Watch For

Some symptoms need urgent in-person care. These include sudden very severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, confusion, fever with stiff neck, or loss of consciousness. If your child has any of these, seek emergency care right away.

After the Video Visit

Follow the provider's advice about medicines, lifestyle changes, or further tests. Keep a headache diary to track changes. Schedule follow-up visits as recommended. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when your child's headaches started and how often they occur.
• Note headache duration, severity, and any triggers noticed.
• List all medicines, vitamins, or remedies your child uses.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's recommendations on medications and lifestyle changes.
• Keep a headache diary to track frequency, severity, and triggers.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Contact your healthcare provider if headaches worsen or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose my child's migraine?

A video visit can help the provider learn about your child's symptoms and suggest if they are likely migraines. However, a full diagnosis may require an in-person exam or tests.

What should I do if my child's headache gets worse after the video visit?

If headaches become more severe, more frequent, or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly or seek in-person care if urgent signs develop.

Are there things I can do at home to help my child's migraines?

Yes. Common steps include ensuring your child gets enough sleep, stays hydrated, eats regular meals, reduces stress, and avoids known headache triggers. Your provider can give specific advice.

Can the provider prescribe medicine during a video visit?

Providers can often prescribe medicines during video visits, but some medications may require an in-person visit depending on local rules and safety considerations.

What if my child has other health problems along with migraines?

Make sure to tell the provider about any other health issues so they can tailor advice and treatment safely for your child.

Sources

1. Migraine in Children and Adolescents — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Migraine — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Migraine in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Migraine: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe or worsening symptoms, or if you are concerned about their health, seek care from a healthcare provider in person immediately.