The blinding pain of migraine headaches can strike children too. Now researchers are discovering which adult medication can help.

Weblink For This Story National Headache Foundation Kids' Headache Page

When an excruciating migraine headache hits a youngster under 12, many pediatricians recommend over the counter pain relief.

Now in a new study, researchers discovered how well an adult migraine drug could be adapted for kids.

Caleb Jelks is like any other playful 8-year- old. Except he's been dealing with migraine headaches since he was a toddler.

"It really hurts, really bad, and it feels like, it's throbbing," he said.

"It was very frustrating, because we didn't know what to do. Most people don't want to believe a 3 year old is having migraines," Leann Jelks said.

Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Ann Pakalnis says over-the-counter remedies many kid's doctors prescribe may offer only partial relief. And, there's another problem.

"Oftentimes children do have a lot of nausea and vomiting. If they take a tablet, then you know, they'll throw it up. They won't be able to absorb it," said Dr. Pakalnis.

So she and colleagues have treated many young patients with small doses of Imitrex, an adult migraine medication, available as a nasal spray.

In a study of 57 migraine patients aged 12 and under, families reported 3 out of 4 children were helped by the Imitrex. And they usually got migraine relief in 15 minutes.

These nasal sprays are very easy to use for children even 5 or 6 years age. They do very well with using the medicine on their own.

Caleb and his parents are relieved that he can now keep better control of his migraines.

Dr. Pakalnis says the biggest negative side effect of the spray for migraines was its bitter taste. That caused some kids to quit using it.