School headache call

Tuesday October 18th, 2011

As many as ten per cent of schoolchildren have their lives blighted by headaches and migraines at school, campaigners warned today.

New guidance issued by the Royal College of GPs calls for schools to have a policy to assist pupils.

Experts say these pupils may lose an average of seven days of school a year because of the problem.

The guidance has been compiled jointly by the college and Headache UK.

RCGP clinical champion for headache Dr David Kernick said: "Most students will experience headache at some point, and for some, the impact on their school work and life at home can be significant.

for a number of reasons most school-age headache sufferers do not seek medical help, even when their problem is severe. Schools can play a key role in identifying the problem and encouraging pupils and their parents to seek help from their GP.

"Having a simple school policy in place should really help improve both the school and home life of many pupils."

Wendy Thomas, chief executive of the Migraine Trust, said: "The impact of migraine and headache, particularly on children, is often underestimated.

"These conditions are common among school children and can have a detrimental effect on school attendance, educational attainment and emotional wellbeing."

Tags: Brain & Neurology | Infancy to Adolescence | Pain Relief | UK News

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