How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Migraine in Children

Audience: pediatric

If your child experiences migraines, a telemedicine visit can be a helpful way to discuss symptoms and management with a healthcare provider from home. Preparing well for the visit can make it more effective. Gather information about your child's headache patterns, triggers, and any treatments tried. Note any other symptoms like nausea or vision changes. Telemedicine can often help assess migraine symptoms and guide treatment, but some situations require in-person evaluation. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important for your child's safety. This guide helps you prepare for a telemedicine visit about pediatric migraine, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and learn about important warning signs to watch for.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache unlike previous headaches — seek emergency care immediately.
• Neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, or loss of balance — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Headache with fever or stiff neck — requires prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of migraine symptoms in children with typical presentations.
• Follow-up visits to monitor migraine management and medication effects.
• Providing advice on lifestyle changes and headache triggers.
• Adjusting medications based on reported symptoms and side effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of new, severe, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
• Headaches following head trauma.
• Headaches accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, or signs of infection.
• Situations requiring urgent imaging or physical neurological examination.

What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit for Pediatric Migraine

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's headaches, including frequency, duration, intensity, and any associated symptoms like nausea or sensitivity to light. They may also ask about family history of migraines and any recent changes in health or lifestyle. The provider will use this information to suggest management strategies and may recommend further tests or in-person visits if needed.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Prepare a list of your child's headache symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur. Note any possible triggers, such as certain foods, stress, or sleep changes. Have a record of any medications or remedies used and their effects. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for the visit. Have a device with a camera and microphone ready for clear communication.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Pediatric Migraine

Telemedicine is often suitable for initial consultations, follow-up visits, medication adjustments, and discussing lifestyle changes to manage migraines. It allows for convenient access to care without travel, which can be helpful during mild to moderate migraine episodes or routine management.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child experiences sudden, severe headaches unlike previous ones, neurological symptoms such as weakness, vision loss, difficulty speaking, or if headaches worsen rapidly, an in-person evaluation is necessary. Also, if your child has a fever with headache or if the headache follows a head injury, urgent in-person care is important.

Tips for Communicating Effectively During the Visit

Speak clearly and provide detailed answers to the provider's questions. Use any available headache diaries or symptom trackers to share accurate information. If your child is old enough, encourage them to describe their symptoms. Ask questions about treatment options and next steps to ensure you understand the plan.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down detailed descriptions of your child's headaches: onset, frequency, duration, intensity, and associated symptoms.
• List any known migraine triggers or recent changes in environment or routine.
• Prepare a list of all medications, supplements, or remedies your child is using.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection for the visit.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding medications and lifestyle changes.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes or side effects.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Seek immediate medical care if any red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a headache diary to track progress and triggers.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits diagnose migraines in children?

Telemedicine visits can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and suggest a likely diagnosis of migraine based on history and reported symptoms. However, some cases may require in-person evaluation or tests to rule out other causes.

What should I do if my child’s headache gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's headache worsens significantly, or if new symptoms like weakness, vision changes, or fever develop, seek in-person medical care promptly. Contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

Are there any specific questions I should be ready to answer during the telemedicine visit?

Yes, be prepared to discuss your child's headache frequency, duration, intensity, triggers, associated symptoms (like nausea or light sensitivity), family history of migraines, and any treatments tried.

Can my child have a physical exam during a telemedicine visit?

A full physical exam is limited during telemedicine. Providers may guide you through simple observations, but some neurological exams require in-person visits.

How can I help my child during a migraine episode at home?

Encourage rest in a quiet, dark room, offer fluids, and use any prescribed medications as directed. Avoid known migraine triggers and keep a headache diary to share with your provider.

Sources

1. Migraine in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Headache Disorders — World Health Organization.
3. Pediatric Migraine: Diagnosis and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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