Headache

Headaches in children can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Very young children often have trouble articulating the pain they feel; older children can tell you they have a headache, but because there are so many potential causes, it’s hard to pin down the exact reason for their pain. 

Types of Headaches

Understanding the different types of headaches can help you determine why your child might be experiencing a headache and how you can treat it. Common types of headaches in kids include:

• Tension headaches, which are mild-to-moderate and often feel like pressure around the entire head or pain in the forehead, temples, and neck.
• Migraines, which involve throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and occasionally auras (flashes of light, glowing shapes and lines, and other disturbances to your child’s vision).
• Congestion headaches, also known as sinus headaches. This type of headache is usually felt around the sinuses, in the lower forehead, and behind the eyes.
• Rebound headaches, a type of headache that starts when a pain reliever wears off. These are more likely to occur when a child is taking Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) daily for several weeks.
• Head injury, experienced after an accident, sports injury, fall, or blow to the head.

Headache Treatments

It’s a good idea to be conservative when it comes to giving your child medication for headaches. Regular use of the over-the-counter pain relievers mentioned above can cause rebound headaches, and both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not intended for frequent use. Rest, cold compresses, and naps can help; for a tension headache, try massaging your child’s forehead, temples, or shoulders.

If headaches are a regular occurrence for your child, it’s a good idea to check in with their pediatrician. Have your child keep a headache diary (or keep a diary for them if they’re too young to do it themselves) so we can identify patterns or possible triggers. When possible, we try to help you and your child implement lifestyle changes to help reduce the amount of headaches they get rather than prescribing medication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches

When should I take my child to the doctor for a headache?

Call us right away if your child’s headache causes them to wake from sleep, changes their personality, follows a blow to the head, or is accompanied by fever, neck pain, or stiffness. If your child’s headaches worsen, occur several times a week, or are accompanied by vomiting or auras, we will also want to see them for a Sick Child Visit.

What can you give a child for a headache?

If a cold compress or nap fails to provide relief, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Call us if you are unsure about the dose for your child.

Can too much screen time cause headaches?

Yes, too much screen time can cause eye strain and eye strain can cause headaches. Screen time can also place strain on the neck, which can trigger tension headaches as well.

How do I know if my child has migraines?

In addition to throbbing headache pain, migraines are usually accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, vomiting, or auras.