Migraines Factsheet (for Schools)

What Educators Should Know

A migraine is a type of headache that recurs (keeps coming back). Most migraines last from 30 minutes to several hours; some can last a couple of days. People with migraines can also have dizziness; nausea; and sensitivity to light, noise, or smells.

By understanding their challenges and supporting their needs, educators can help students with migraines do their best in school.

Challenges for Students With Migraines

Students with migraines may:

• miss school, sports, and other activities until they feel better
• need to go to the nurse to take medicine or lie down in a quiet, dark place until symptoms ease

What Educators Can Do

Work with your student’s family to understand their needs and what will help them most:

• Have a plan on what to do if your student gets early warning signs that a migraine is coming on (such as seeing flashing lights or zig-zag lines, having blurred vision, smelling something that isn’t there). For example, the student may need to lie down or take medicines.
• Have a plan on what to do if your student gets a migraine.

Triggers are things that bring on migraines. Understand what your student’s usual triggers are and, if possible, help them manage them. You might:

• Let your student snack during the day so they don’t get too hungry.
• Let your student carry a water bottle to make sure they drink enough.
• Help your student avoid drinks with caffeine.
• Let your student take breaks when working on a computer.

Students with migraines might miss class time. To help your student academically, you can:

• Give them extra time to finish schoolwork and tests.
• Let them do fewer assignments.
• Let them make up missed assignments and tests.
• Give take-home or online tests, if needed.

Also:

• Help build your student’s confidence by recognizing and appreciating their strengths — in math, sports, drama, art, or whatever else they enjoy. 
• If you think your student is feeling very anxious or down, talk to them and their family about counseling options in school or in the community. Some school districts don’t require parents’ permission for a student to see a counselor at school while others do. Check your local school district’s policies.