Most people associate headaches with adults, but they can affect children as well. Childhood headaches are frequently only the symptom of a cold, the flu, or a sinus, eye, or ear infection. However, some children, like adults, might suffer from tension headaches, migraines, or other types of recurring head discomfort. There’s nothing to be concerned about if your youngster gets slight headaches now and then but otherwise appears to be in good condition. Severe, recurrent headaches, on the other hand, clearly demand attention.
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Here are several headaches to keep an eye out for:
Headaches are caused by tension.
A dull discomfort on one side of the head is a common symptom of this type of headache. Tension headaches in children can be caused by stress, worry, or sadness, much like in adults. They may become more noticeable throughout the school day and then go away over the weekend or during vacation.
Migraines.
Migraines can strike at any age, even if they don’t normally strike before children start school. A migraine is a strong, pounding headache that lasts from two hours to two or three days and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and a desire to seek relief via sleep. It is estimated that one out of every 20 school-aged children has experienced at least one migraine. The headaches usually stop before the youngster reaches adolescence. Migraine pain can affect both sides of the brain in young children, although it usually affects only one side in older children. Auras (distorted visuals) may appear in children with migraines before the headache begins, just as they do in adults.
Headaches in clusters.
Teenagers, particularly boys, are prone to these headaches. The agony comes in clusters, as the term implies. Each attack begins in the vicinity of the eye and then spreads outward. The eye may swell and become watery, and the face will most likely turn red.
Meningitis.
Aside from a terrible headache, a youngster with meningitis will experience a slew of other symptoms. High fever, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and acute stiffness in the neck are all symptoms of inflammation of the brain covering (sometimes accompanied by an inability to touch the chin to the chest). Irritability and listlessness are two other symptoms. If you suspect your kid has meningitis, call 911 or seek medical attention right once.
I’m not sure what I can do regarding my child’s headaches.
You might be able to prevent some headaches in the first place if you encourage your youngster to move regularly and drink plenty of water. If your child has tension headaches or migraines, you should figure out what’s bothering her. She may require more assistance in dealing with her issues, such as counseling.
Migraine sufferers must also learn to recognize and avoid the triggers that cause their headaches. Excessive sun exposure, strong lights, intense activity, and specific meals, such as lunch meats, MSG, and aged cheese, are all probable triggers.
An over-the-counter pain treatment such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to treat most childhood headaches. (Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16 unless a doctor recommends it.) Allow no more than a couple pills every week for your child. Put a cold pack or ice compress on his head for extra relief, or gently massage your child’s shoulders and back of her neck. Encourage him to lie down in a dark, quiet room until the discomfort subsides or improves.
Should I take my child to the doctor?
If your child’s headaches are severe and persistent, you should make an appointment with her doctor very once. A doctor can assist in determining the type of headache and developing a treatment plan, which may include the use of prescription medicines. However, talk to your doctor about possible side effects. If children are also taking antidepressants known as SSRIs or SNRIs, at least one migraine drug licensed for children may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and dramatic changes in blood pressure can occur in people who take the medications together, and they can be fatal if not treated.