When school starts here in Central Texas later this month, many children will experience headaches, especially those who suffer from migraines.

"We follow a lot of kids with headaches," says pediatric neurologist Jeffrey Kerr, MD, of Specially for Children, who practices at Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. "Most kids tend to do better over the summer, most likely because they have less stress and get more sleep. During the fall, headaches become more frequent, most likely a response to stress and excitement."

If you have a child who is prone to headaches, you may see an increase about the same time the school year begins. Migraines impact five to ten percent of children and teens, although many other children suffer from other headache types. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), headaches are the cause of almost 30 percent of absences from school or other activities.

"What I tell parents is that if a child experiences a sudden change in headache frequency that affects school attendance, they should check with the child's physician. The vast majority of headaches turn out to be benign. But treatment is available for childhood headaches," adds Dr. Kerr. If the problem is significant, the child is usually referred to a pediatric neurologist.

"Sleep deprivation is a common trigger for migraines and other chronic headaches," comments Dr. Kerr. His beliefs are supported by research at the Mayo Clinic, which indicated that about two-thirds of the children studied who experienced headaches also suffered from sleep problems.

Head Off Headaches

If your child is prone to headaches of any type, there are several steps you can take to avoid them. "A week or two before school starts, get your child back on a school time schedule," recommends Dr. Kerr. "Also check diet. Caffeine in particular is associated with chronic daily headaches, especially in teens. Lots of high school kids go to Starbuck's."

The NSF has the following tips to get back on schedule:

• Beginning two weeks to 10 days before the start of school, gradually adjust children to earlier sleep and wake times in order to set their biological clocks for the new schedule.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule on weekdays and avoid extreme changes in the routine on weekends.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading before bed.
• Do not have televisions, computers, video games or other electronics in the bedroom. Don't let children watch television or use electronic devices during the half hour before bedtime.
• Limit caffeine intake, especially after lunch.
• Make sure children eat well and exercise

Managing Medications

If your child needs medication, take a prescription to the school nurse. "Most schools - including Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Round Rock (RRISD) - won't allow students to carry medication. Parents should check school policy. It's a shame to see kids get in trouble with a headache," says Dr. Kerr.

The sooner the child takes the pain medication, the better chance there is of knocking out a migraine. Talk to teachers, office personnel and caregivers to make sure everybody knows that delay is critical.

Jeffrey S. Kerr, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Specially For Children
1301 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Ste 200
Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 628-1850

Pediatric neurologist Jeffrey S. Kerr, M.D., joined 'Specially for Children in 1998 after seven years in private practice in Austin. Dr. Kerr completed his undergraduate education at Rice University before attending medical school at Texas A&M University in College Station. A pediatric residency at Scott and White Memorial Hospital was followed by child neurology training at Wake Forest University.

Prior to private practice, Dr. Kerr was an instructor in the departments of Pediatrics and Neurology at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He is board certified in both pediatrics and pediatric neurology. His professional affiliations include the Texas Medical Association, Travis County Medical Association, the Child Neurology Society and the American Academy of Neurology.