Migraine at School, developed by the Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients (CHAMP), is a collection of the best resources and information for students, parents, and educators to ensure children with headache disease are given the best opportunity to excel in school.
Migraine is a serious neurological disease affecting 10% of children ages 5 - 15 and up to 28% of adolescents. Migraine can be characterized by many symptoms, including head pain, nausea and/or stomach pain, temporary vision changes, ear discomfort/pressure, dizziness, and other symptoms. Migraine is genetic and can present very differently in children than it does in adults. For example, colic in infants may be one of the first signs of migraine attacks.
Despite its prevalence, migraine is often an invisible disease. Many people with migraine experience stigma. Migraine at School is the best tool for students, parents and educators to educate their communities about migraine, create a supportive environment, and provide students the resources needed to succeed.
As educators, you have a unique opportunity to identify migraine symptoms in your students. Migraine at School provides information about the symptoms of migraine - usually (but not always) head pain accompanied by any of the following: sensitivity to light, smell, and sound; nausea and/or stomach pain, temporary vision changes, ear discomfort or pressure, and brain fog among other symptoms.
In addition to giving you the tools to identify migraine symptoms, Migraine at School offers valuable steps you can take to help your student when he or she is in pain. For example, you can provide a dark, quiet place to rest, contact the student’s parents or guardians, and, most importantly, be open to providing accommodations to your students with migraine.
Migraine at School also provides comprehensive information for parents and guardians. As a parent, it is critical that you educate yourself about migraine disease so that you can navigate this road with your child. First, you need to visit your child’s doctor for a proper diagnosis. Then you can help your child by tracking their migraine, monitoring their sleep and eating habits, encouraging less screen time and helping them manage stress.
Migraine at School provides a comprehensive list of possible accommodations that may help your child succeed in school. Your child may request a 504 plan with accommodations ranging from allowing a child to take his or his medicine at onset of migraine, modified assignments or classes, access to a classroom with dimmed lights, or breaks during testing as needed. You can find the complete list of accommodations available at migraineatschool.org or contact us at info@migraineatschool.org with any questions.
Migraine at School also provides resources to help students get the support they need to succeed in school. Students can learn about lifestyle tips and tricks, listen to podcasts, find a support group, and learn how to advocate for themselves. Keyword: Awareness