Can Girl,8, Suffer From Migraines?

Mar 23 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

Q MY eight-year-old daughter has had severe stomach pains for a year or so. The specialist thinks it is an abdominal migraine. I thought this was a headache. Can it really be the cause?

A YES. Children can have stomach pains instead of headaches when they get migraines.

An abdominal migraine causes pain around the belly button, nausea or lack of appetite, a pale face with dark circles under the eyes and vomiting. Attacks can last three days if untreated.

They are treated in the same way as regular migraines with painkillers and antisickness drugs. She may have traditional migraines later in life but many kids grow out of it.

Q MY teenage son is obsessed with books on crime and serial killers.

He says nothing is wrong.

Should I be worried?

A TEENAGE boys often become interested in macabre things. During adolescence they try to find meaning for new feelings. They may feel uncontrollably angry and moody as they first experience the adult world without the emotional control of an adult.

I would put it down to a phase but worry if he becomes a loner and falls out with friends.

Q WHAT can be done for old acne scars? I have loads over my cheeks.

A SEVERAL things can be done but not on the NHS. A chemical peel is good for mild scarring as it removes the surface layers of the skin and heals more evenly. Fillers injected into deep scars can raise indentation to the same level as the rest of the skin. Dermabrasion works like a peel but is gentler.

Your GP will be able to recommend a clinic.

Q MY three-year-old son bashed his front tooth and it has turned grey. I am worried his second teeth will also be grey.

Should it be removed?

A DAMAGE to the milk teeth by trauma seldom damages second teeth as they are still buried deep. If the tooth is still in place it is best left alone as it will protect the underlying tooth from bacteria.

Keeping up good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent discolouration of permanent teeth.

Your dentist should be able to reassure you.

Q I AM a female in my 30s but I wet the bed three times last week.

What is wrong?

A BEDWETTING as an adult is usually due to being very drunk or a bladder infection.

The bladder wall can become highly sensitive and empties automatically when it gets full and you are asleep.

You may be going to the toilet more during the day as well.

Your GP can test your urine and give antibiotics.

In the meantime avoid fluids before bed and set your alarm to get up and wee during the night.