K.W.
I am 34 years old and have had migraine headaches since I was 6. Originally it was discovered that I had an astigmatism and needed glasses. While that eased them for a little while, they never went away. It took until I was 11 that I was officially diagnosed with migraines and they have never stopped. I do have a family history of migraines and allergies, but more importantly, I have hormone imbalances and that is the root of the problem for me. I know my father had problems as a child as well. Migraines are not fun by any means and there are some things you can do to help prevent as well as make him more comfortable when he does get one. Some common triggers are caffeine, chocolate, fresh yeast(I couldn't eat Pizza Hut pizza or Subway for years b/c of dough being made fresh daily)and MSG. Avoiding these triggers can help make them less frequent. Also, even though caffeine is a trigger, it can also help ease them off if one is starting and caffeine has been avoided in the days prior to it beginning. Once one begins, ice packs on the back of the neck(for 10 minutes or so) and a dark, QUIET room are a necessity. Also, I always keep a trash can nearby b/c they usually cause vomitting. I have also begun to see a chiropractor in the last year or so and have gotten more relief from his treatments than anything I have tried in the last 25 years. My heart goes out to you and your son b/c I know how painful and debilitating they are and I know how much it hurts as a mom to not be able to help your child or take the pain away. I would definitely have his eyes checked and look for a chiro that can help with headaches. I know he is young, but I would ask about having his testosterone checked as well to make sure it isn't low or high. Good luck.