Causes
In children, headaches can be caused by:
- illnesses with a fever (for example, sinusitis, a cold or flu)
- muscular tension because of anxiety, tiredness or teeth-grinding during sleep
- visual problems (for example, eye strain)
- a head injury
- migraine.
Muscular tension and migraine are uncommon in younger children, but they’re the most common causes of headaches in teenagers.
Headaches can also be linked with meningitis, brain tumours or subarachnoid haemorrhage, but these illnesses are rare.
Recurrent headaches can have many causes. If your child experiences these, he’ll need to see a doctor about them.
Symptoms
Some headaches are mild enough for children to continue their normal activities. But sometimes a headache can really lay a child low – the child might even need bed rest.
Pain can be sharp or dull, one-sided or involving the entire head and neck. The headache might feel like a pounding sensation, or just tightness in the muscles.
Migraines in young and adolescent children can have symptoms such as throbbing pain on one or both sides, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes an ‘aura’ before the headache starts. A migraine aura is a visual or auditory change, sometimes described as wavering lights around objects, or ringing in the ears. Your child might dislike bright lights and loud noises during a migraine, and might want to sleep regardless of the time of day.
When to see your doctor
Go to the doctor immediately if your child:
- develops severe headaches that are most painful when your child wakes up, and are associated with nausea or vomiting
- has a headache and any of the following symptoms:
- a high temperature
- convulsions
- confusion, or is very drowsy
- blurred vision
- unsteadiness when walking
- a stiff neck.
You should also see a doctor if your child’s headache doesn’t get better when you use the treatments described below.
Tests
Common headaches don’t usually need special or specific tests. If your doctor is concerned that your child’s headache might have a more serious cause, the doctor might refer your child to a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist. Very occasionally, your child might need a CT or MRI scan.
Treatment
Treatment for uncomplicated headaches usually involves keeping your child quiet (for example, lying down in a darkened room), or massaging the affected area of muscle tension. If pain goes on, you can safely give paracetamol according to the directions. Quite often, simply distracting your child with a quiet game will take her attention away from the pain.
If your child’s headaches seem to be related to stress, try to work out what’s causing your child’s stress or tension. You can then help your child avoid the things that make him stressed.
If headaches happen frequently, or are severe, see your doctor. If your child suffers recurrent migraines, your doctor will be able to recommend a plan to prevent and treat migraine headaches.
Don’t give your child aspirin – it can make your child susceptible to
Reye’ssyndrome, a rare but potentially fatal illness.
Prevention
Some people believe that not drinking enough fluids can cause headaches. This is especially the case with busy, active school-age children in the summer months. In these situations, your child might notice the headaches get better with more fluids – for example, having an extra glass of water at breakfast and drinking water regularly throughout the day.
