Overview
Headaches in children are a common occurrence and usually aren't serious. They can experience different types of headaches, such as migraines or stress-related (tension) headaches, and may have chronic daily headaches. Headaches in children can be caused by infections, high stress or anxiety levels, or minor head trauma. It is essential to monitor your child's headache symptoms and consult a doctor if the headache worsens or occurs frequently. Headaches in children can often be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and maintaining healthy habits like a regular sleeping and eating schedule. Common symptoms of headaches in children include pulsating or throbbing head pain, pain that worsens with activity, nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and abdominal pain. Tension-type headaches may cause a pressing tightness in the muscles of the head or neck, mild to moderate nonpulsating pain on both sides of the head, and headache that's not accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Cluster headaches are uncommon in children under 10 years old and involve sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head that lasts less than three hours, accompanied by teariness, congestion, runny nose, or restlessness or agitation. Chronic daily headache refers to migraines and tension-type headaches that occur more than 15 days a month and may be caused by an infection, minor head injury, or taking pain medications too often. It is important to seek prompt medical care if your child's headaches wake them from sleep, worsen or become more frequent, change their personality, follow an injury, feature persistent vomiting or visual changes, or are accompanied by fever and neck pain or stiffness.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Headaches in children can present with various symptoms, some of which may differ from those experienced by adults. Common symptoms of headaches in children include:
- Pulsating or throbbing head pain
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia and phonophobia)
- Crying or rocking back and forth (in infants)
- Withdrawing from regular play and wanting to sleep more (in younger children) These symptoms can help identify the different types of headaches children may experience, such as migraines, tension-type headaches, or cluster headaches. It's essential to consult a doctor if your child's headache symptoms worsen or occur frequently, or if you have concerns about their headaches.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing headaches in children include:
- Girls after they reach puberty
- Children who have a family history of headaches or migraines
- Older teens Additionally, certain factors can increase the frequency and severity of headaches in children, such as stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, dehydration, and consumption of caffeine and certain food additives.
Development
Headaches in children can develop due to a variety of factors, including emotional stress, genetic predisposition, certain foods and beverages, and problems in the brain. Migraines tend to run in families and can be triggered by stress, anxiety, nitrates, MSG, and excessive caffeine intake. Tension-type headaches are characterized by a pressing tightness in the muscles of the head or neck and can be caused by stress and poor posture. Cluster headaches, which are uncommon in children under 10, involve sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head and typically occur in groups of five or more episodes.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should seek prompt medical care if your child's headaches:
- Wake your child from sleep
- Worsen or become more frequent
- Change your child's personality
- Follow an injury, such as a blow to the head
- Feature persistent vomiting or visual changes
- Are accompanied by fever and neck pain or stiffness It's important to consult a doctor if the headache symptoms are severe, persistent, or interfere with your child's daily activities.
Diagnosis
To diagnose headaches in children, the doctor will likely look at the headache history, perform a physical exam, and conduct a neurological exam. They may ask the child and their parents to describe the headaches in detail, noting any patterns or common triggers. The doctor may also suggest keeping a headache diary to record frequency, severity, and potential triggers. If the child is otherwise healthy and headaches are the only symptom, no further testing is usually needed. However, imaging scans and other evaluations may be necessary in some cases to pinpoint a diagnosis or rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the headaches. These tests may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, or spinal tap (lumbar puncture).
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of headaches in children may include:
- Reduced quality of life: Frequent or severe headaches can significantly impact a child's ability to participate in daily activities and enjoy life.
- Missed school or social activities: Chronic headaches may cause a child to miss school or social events, potentially affecting their relationships and academic performance.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment: Headaches can be caused by various conditions, and a correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. A delay in diagnosis or treatment may lead to complications or worsening of symptoms.
- Medication overuse: Overusing pain medications, including over-the-counter options, can lead to rebound headaches and, in severe cases, medication-induced headaches.
- Emotional or psychological issues: Chronic headaches can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, potentially affecting a child's mental health and overall well-being. It is essential to consult a doctor when a child experiences frequent or severe headaches to address any potential complications and provide appropriate treatment or interventions.
Prevention
Headaches in children can be prevented to some extent by practicing healthy behaviors and reducing stress. Encouraging your child to get enough sleep, stay physically active, eat healthy meals and snacks, drink plenty of water, and limiting caffeine intake can help promote general good health and may prevent or reduce the severity of headaches. Reducing stress in your child's life by identifying and addressing potential sources of anxiety or stress can also help prevent headaches.
Home Remedies
Home remedies suggested for headaches in children include:
- Regular sleep schedule: Ensure your child gets enough sleep and adheres to a consistent bedtime routine. Lack of sleep can trigger headaches in children.
- Proper hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day, aiming for at least eight glasses per day. Dehydration can also contribute to headaches.
- Balanced diet: Promote a healthy, well-balanced diet with regular meals and snacks. Avoiding foods that may trigger headaches, such as those containing caffeine or certain additives, can help prevent headaches.
- Relaxation techniques: Teach your child deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help manage stress and reduce the frequency of headaches.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the neck or forehead may help alleviate headache pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as recommended by your doctor, to treat occasional headaches in children.
- Avoiding triggers: Keep a headache diary to identify potential triggers and avoid them, such as certain foods, drinks, or stressful situations.
- Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, potentially reducing the frequency of headaches. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any new treatments or home remedies for your child's headaches.
Treatment
There are several treatments for headaches in children. Depending on the type and severity of the headache, treatments may include over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, preventive medication prescribed by a doctor, and healthy lifestyle habits. For common headaches, OTC pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective in relieving pain and discomfort. These medications should be used as directed and in the recommended dosages for children. In some cases, your doctor may recommend preventive medication if the headaches are severe, occur daily, and interfere with the child's normal lifestyle. Medications such as certain antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, or beta blockers may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. In addition to medication, promoting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent headaches or reduce their severity. Encourage your child to:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Stay physically active
- Eat healthy meals and snacks
- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily
- Limit caffeine intake
- Practice stress reduction techniques (e.g., mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or relaxation techniques) It's essential to consult with a doctor if your child's headaches worsen or occur frequently, as they can help determine the appropriate treatment plan based on your child's specific needs and circumstances. Remember to always follow your doctor's plan and instructions for medication and treatment.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for headaches in children, you should:
- Write down your child's signs and symptoms, including when they occurred and how long they lasted. Consider keeping a headache diary to track the frequency, severity, and possible triggers of the headaches.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements your child is taking.
- Write down any questions you may have for the doctor. Some basic questions to ask include: What's the most likely cause of the symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What treatments are available? Does my child need prescription medication or can an OTC medication be used? What follow-up, if any, is needed? What can be done at home to lessen the pain and prevent headaches?
- Be prepared to provide your child's medical history and any relevant family history to the doctor.
- Keep a headache diary, noting the date, duration, intensity, triggers, and any accompanying symptoms. Remember to share this information with the doctor during the appointment to help them make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.