Headaches in children are common and are usually not serious, as reported by MayoClinic.com. Children may experience different symptoms as adults and their headaches usually don't last as long as an adults. MayoClinic.com also suggests that parents consult their children's health care provider immediately if the child's headaches are more frequent than once a month, follow a head injury, come with persistent nausea or vomiting or are accompanied by stiffness in the neck and fever.
Migraines in Children
A migraine is defined as a moderate to severe headache that lasts 2 to 4 hours that happens 2 to 4 times per month. The ClevelandClinic.org reports that children are most commonly afflicted with common migraine--that is a migraine without aura. Aura is a warning sign that occurs 10 to 30 minutes prior to the migraine that signals a migraine is coming on--typical aura sensations are visual disturbances such as blurred or distorted vision. A child with a migraine may experience these symptoms: pounding, throbbing pain in the head, pain on both sides of the head (as opposed to migraine in adult where pain is typically present on one side), pale skin, irritability, sensitivity to light and sound, decreased appetite, nausea and/or vomiting and abdominal pain. Migraines in children can be treated in many different ways and often lifestyle changes can be made that will improve the condition.
Tension (Stress) Headaches in Children
Tension or stress headaches in adults are common; these types of headaches are also common in children. Tension headaches cause a non-throbbing pain on both sides of the head that can last for 30 minutes or several days. Other symptoms are not associated with tension headaches, such as nausea and vomiting. However, the American Headache Society reports some children may experience a sensitivity to light or sound, but not both. These types of headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, rest and discussing stressful or upsetting events. Getting adequate sleep, proper hydration, eating well balanced meals and avoiding over-scheduling can help to reduce or eliminate tension headaches in children. Never use aspirin as an over-the-counter pain reliever for children.
Illness and Headaches in Children
Many illnesses, such as meningitis and sinusitis, can cause headaches in children. Most headaches in children are not serious and cause no damage, though some headaches can be signs of more significant health issues. If your child is experiencing a headache that is accompanied by neck stiffness or pain, high fever and cough or facial pain or pressure contact your health care provider.
