What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Migraine in Children

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for a child experiencing migraines, families often wonder what comes next. Typically, the healthcare provider will review the child's symptoms, discuss possible triggers, and suggest ways to manage or reduce migraine attacks. This may include lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits and hydration, or recommending medications to relieve pain or prevent migraines. The provider may also schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress or adjust treatment. Sometimes, further tests or in-person visits are needed if symptoms change or worsen. It's important to keep track of migraine patterns and communicate any new concerns to the healthcare team. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice and support, but it does not replace in-person care when urgent or complex issues arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache unlike usual migraines — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking during a headache — call emergency services.
• Confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing migraine symptoms and history.
• Providing advice on lifestyle changes to reduce migraine frequency.
• Prescribing or adjusting common migraine medications.
• Monitoring response to treatment through follow-up visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical neurological examinations.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like MRI or CT scans.
• Managing severe or sudden neurological symptoms.
• Providing emergency care for acute complications.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your child's telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will usually summarize the discussion and next steps. This might include advice on managing migraines at home, such as avoiding known triggers like certain foods or stress. They may also explain how to use any prescribed medications and what side effects to watch for. You might receive educational materials or instructions on keeping a headache diary to track frequency and severity.

Common Recommendations for Managing Pediatric Migraines

Providers often suggest lifestyle changes including:

Medications may be recommended to relieve pain during attacks or to prevent migraines if they are frequent or severe. Always follow the provider's instructions carefully.

When Follow-Up Care Is Needed

Your provider may ask you to schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits to check how your child is doing. If migraines become more frequent, severe, or change in pattern, additional evaluation may be needed. Sometimes, tests like imaging or blood work are recommended to rule out other causes.

How to Prepare for Your Next Visit

Keep a headache diary noting when migraines occur, how long they last, what might have triggered them, and any treatments used. Bring this information to the next visit to help the provider understand your child's condition better. Also, note any new symptoms or side effects from medications.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child experiences sudden, severe headaches unlike previous migraines, weakness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms are red flags that require urgent evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child's migraine symptoms and their frequency.
• Note any known triggers or recent changes in health or environment.
• Prepare a headache diary if available.
• List all current medications and supplements your child is taking.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection for the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions on medications and lifestyle changes.
• Keep a headache diary to track migraine patterns and triggers.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up visits.
• Contact the healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms occur.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose my child's migraine?

Telemedicine providers can often assess migraine symptoms based on your child's history and description. However, they may recommend in-person evaluation or tests if needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

What should I do if my child's migraines get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If migraines become more frequent, severe, or different from before, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may suggest additional evaluation or changes to treatment.

Are there any side effects from migraine medications I should watch for?

Yes, some medications can cause side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or dizziness. Your provider will explain what to expect and when to seek medical advice if side effects occur.

Can lifestyle changes really help reduce migraines?

Yes, many children find that regular sleep, hydration, balanced meals, and stress management can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

When is an in-person visit necessary after a telemedicine consultation?

If your child has unusual neurological symptoms, red flags, or if the provider needs to perform a physical exam or order tests, an in-person visit will be recommended.

Sources

1. Migraine in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Headache Disorders — World Health Organization (WHO).
3. Migraine: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pediatric Migraine: Diagnosis and Treatment — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences emergency symptoms or worsening health, seek immediate medical attention.