Headaches are a frequent complaint among children. In a review article published in "American Family Physician," Dr. Donald Lewis reports that up to 82 percent of children experience headaches by age 15. Prior to puberty, boys are more commonly affected. After puberty, girls report more headaches than boys do. Although the symptoms of headache in children may differ from those experienced by adults, the range of possible causes largely overlaps.
Migraine
Although migraines are commonly considered an adult condition, children can also develop migraine headaches. In an electronic article published by the National Pain Foundation, Dr. Dawn Marcus reports that migraines are the most prevalent form of primary headaches among school-aged children. Approximately one in 10 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old are affected by migraines, notes Marcus.
Migraines manifest differently in children than they do in adults. Among adults, migraine pain is most commonly limited to one side of the head, whereas children typically experience bilateral head pain, according to information published by MayoClinic.com. Additionally, migraines generally resolve more quickly in children than in adults. Children with migraines may complain of abdominal pain and experience nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to loud noise and bright light.
Cold and Flu
The American Academy of Family Physicians states that colds and flu are the most frequent causes of headaches among children. Headaches associated with these illnesses are typically mild and resolve with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, school-aged children typically contract six to 10 head colds yearly, which may be accompanied by a headache.
Sinusitis
Children may develop sinusitis after a head cold. Sinusitis can cause facial pain, pressure and headaches in children, just as it does among adults. In an electronic article published by the American Rhinologic Society, Dr. Howard Levine advises parents that cold symptoms in a child lasting longer than seven to 10 days may indicate acute sinusitis. Other common symptoms of sinusitis in children include nasal stuffiness, yellow to green nasal mucus, fever, sneezing and puffiness around the eyes.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infectious inflammation of the spinal fluid and the tri-layered tissue covering the spinal cord and brain. The classic presentation of meningitis is the sudden onset of a severe headache accompanied by fever and a stiff neck, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other possible symptoms include nausea and vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, light sensitivity and decreased level of consciousness. Bacterial meningitis can progress quickly and may be life threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial with this condition.
References
- American Family Physician; Headaches in Children and Adolescents; Donald W. Lewis, M.D.; February 2002
- National Pain Foundation: Headache: Children and Adolescents
- MayoClinic.com: Headaches in Children
- FamilyDoctor.org: Migraine Headache in Children and Adolescents
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Common Cold Overview
