As a parent, it can be worrying when your child complains of a headache. You may wonder if it is a symptom of a serious health issue, such as a brain tumor. However, the good news is that the majority of headaches experienced by children and adolescents are not serious.
According to Tamara Zach, MD, a pediatric neurologist with Banner Children’s in Phoenix, AZ, the most common cause of headaches in children is related to poor lifestyle choices and not something in the brain. In this article, we will discuss the common causes and types of headaches in children, how to treat them, and when you should contact your child’s healthcare provider.
Causes of Headaches in Children
Headaches are pains that can be felt in your child’s face or head, and they can disrupt their daily routine and ability to concentrate at school or during activities. There are several causes of headaches in children, including lifestyle, environmental, physical, or psychological factors.
Some of the factors that can cause headaches in children include:
– Lack of sleep
– Skipping meals or eating late at night
– Not drinking enough water
– Lack of exercise
– Eye strain and poor posture due to excessive use of electronics
– Certain medications
– Too much caffeine
– Hormonal changes during puberty
– Stress and anxiety
– Illnesses
Types of Headaches in Children
Headaches can be divided into two groups based on their causes: primary headaches and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches are the most common types of headaches in children and are not linked to any underlying health condition. The three most common primary headaches are:
1. Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache in children, causing mild to moderate pain.
2. Migraine headaches: These cause severe headaches that can last hours or days and often include pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and dizziness. There is usually a family history of migraines.
3. Cluster headache: This is less common, but it usually starts in children over 10 years old and is more common in male teens. It causes frequent painful headaches that occur at least three months in a row.
Secondary headaches are due to a problem in the structure of the brain caused by a health condition or disease. “This can include chronic illness, seizures or side effects from medications that someone is taking for their illness and brain disorders,” Dr. Zach said.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Child’s Headaches?
“If headaches wake your child up from sleep in the morning or middle of the night, this is a red flag to call your child’s provider,” Dr. Zach said. Other symptoms that may suggest a more serious cause of your child’s headaches include:
– Any weakness, tingling, or numbness in their limbs (arms, legs, hands, and feet)
– Frequent headaches (more than two a week)
– Changes in vision or vision loss
– Frequent vomiting, especially in the morning
– Seizures or epilepsy
– Headache after a head injury that involved a loss of consciousness
How to Treat a Child’s Headache at Home
If your child has a headache but no other worrying symptoms, you can usually manage the headache at home. You should ensure that your child:
– Rests in a cold, dark room
– Drinks plenty of water, plus electrolytes
– Eats regular meals on a consistent schedule (no skipping)
– Avoids foods that trigger migraines
– Maintains a regular bedtime routine
– Takes deep, relaxing breaths
– If necessary, an OTC medication or pain reliever can be taken, but it’s important for children and teens to avoid aspirin due to rare cases where it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious disease that can result in brain and liver damage.
Headaches, ranging from mild to moderate pain, can affect both adults and children. Nevertheless, some people may experience severe pain. While most causes of headaches can be treated at home, some may necessitate medical intervention. The course of treatment for your child’s headaches will hinge on the cause and any potential underlying condition. They may need to be referred to a pediatric neurologist or another specialist for additional assessments.
No Comment