Headache in Children

A headache is pain or discomfort that is felt around the head or neck area. Headaches are a common illness during childhood. They may be associated with other medical or behavioral conditions.

What are the causes?

Common causes of headache in children include:

• Illnesses caused by viruses.
• Sinus problems.
• Eye strain.
• Migraine.
• Fatigue.
• Sleep problems.
• Stress or other emotions.
• Sensitivity to certain foods, including caffeine.
• Not enough fluid in the body (dehydration).
• Fever.
• Blood sugar (glucose) changes.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is pain in the head. The pain can be described as dull, sharp, pounding, or throbbing. There may also be pressure or a tight, squeezing feeling in the front and sides of your child’s head.

Sometimes other symptoms will accompany the headache, including:

• Sensitivity to light or sound or both.
• Vision problems.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fatigue.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your child’s symptoms.
• Your child’s medical history.
• A physical exam.

Your child may have other tests to determine the underlying cause of the headache, such as:

• Tests to check for problems with the nerves in the body (neurological exam).
• Eye exam.
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms.

• Mild headaches may be treated with:
  • Over-the-counter pain medicines.
  • Rest in a quiet and dark room.
  • A bland or liquid diet until the headache passes.
• More severe headaches may be treated with:
  • Medicines to relieve nausea and vomiting.
  • Prescription pain medicines.
• Your child’s health care provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:
  • Managing stress.
  • Avoiding foods that cause headaches (triggers).
  • Going for counseling.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Discourage your child from drinking beverages that contain caffeine.
• Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine pale yellow.
• Make sure your child eats well-balanced meals at regular intervals throughout the day.

Lifestyle

• Ask your child’s health care provider about massage or other relaxation techniques.
• Help your child limit his or her exposure to stressful situations. Ask the health care provider what situations your child should avoid.
• Encourage your child to exercise regularly. Children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
• Ask your child’s health care provider for a recommendation on how many hours of sleep your child should be getting each night. Children need different amounts of sleep at different ages.
• Keep a journal to find out what may be causing your child’s headaches. Write down:
  • What your child had to eat or drink.
  • How much sleep your child got.
  • Any change to your child’s diet or medicines.

General instructions

• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as directed by your child’s health care provider.
• Have your child lie down in a dark, quiet room when he or she has a headache.
• Apply ice packs or heat packs to your child’s head and neck, as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Have your child wear corrective glasses as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child’s headaches get worse or happen more often.
• Your child’s headaches are increasing in severity.
• Your child has a fever.

Get help right away if your child:

• Is awakened by a headache.
• Has changes in his or her mood or personality.
• Has a headache that begins after a head injury.
• Is throwing up from his or her headache.
• Has changes to his or her vision.
• Has pain or stiffness in his or her neck.
• Is dizzy.
• Is having trouble with balance or coordination.
• Seems confused.

Summary

• A headache is pain or discomfort that is felt around the head or neck area. Headaches are a common illness during childhood. They may be associated with other medical or behavioral conditions.
• The main symptom of this condition is pain in the head. The pain can be described as dull, sharp, pounding, or throbbing.
• Treatment for this condition may depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms.
• Keep a journal to find out what may be causing your child’s headaches.
• Contact your child’s health care provider if your child’s headaches get worse or happen more often.