Headache and nausea are symptoms of various conditions in children. Some of these are minor illnesses that do not require any specific medical care, but some are serious, life-threatening conditions. The main difference is that while the headache and nausea related to a common cold will be over in a couple of days, headaches and nausea related to a brain tumor will become more frequent and more severe over time. And when it comes to such illnesses as meningitis, which can also cause a severe headache and nausea, there is no time to wait. That is why it is essential to recognize the other symptoms related to these conditions.
Influenza
Influenza is a viral infection that shows its' first symptoms only hours after exposure to the virus, according to the MayoClinic.com. A headache is a common symptom of influenza and, although diarrhea and vomiting are rare in adults, they are frequent symptoms of influenza in children. Other signs of influenza include a high fever of over 103 degrees F in children, muscle aches, a dry cough and loss of appetite. Most children get over the flu in two weeks, but some people develop serious flu complications such as pneumonia. Sometimes even a cold can cause a headache and nausea, although these symptoms are more common in influenza than in colds.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a possibly life-threatening infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It progresses aggressively, making early diagnosis of the utmost importance, says the MayoClinic.com. If not spotted early enough, meningitis can lead to brain damage, blindness, a coma, hearing problems or even death within hours. Many of the early symptoms of meningitis resemble those seen in influenza. Among these symptoms are severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, and a high fever. The child may complain about an extremely painful and stiff neck. He may have difficulties attending school and might seem confused. A lack of appetite and seizures are also common, and patients sometimes develop a rash.
Migraine
Migraines are also common among children, Dr. Sarah E. Bland notes in an article published in the "Journal of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin" in July 2002. Different studies reveal that approximately 4 to 11 percent of 7- to15-year-old children experience them. The migraines are accompanied by nausea and vomiting in eight out of 10 people. A migraine headache is often one-sided. Before the headache starts, the patient often sees auras and the child may be sensitive to light.
Brain Tumor
A persistent headache is one of the first symptoms of a pediatric brain tumor, says CancerHelp.org. It is typically at its worst in the morning and when the child bends over, coughs, sneezes or does anything else that increases the pressure inside the head. Nausea and seizures are also common symptoms of pediatric brain tumors. Other symptoms vary considerably depending on the size and location of the tumor, but they might include changes in personality and emotions, such as sudden bursts of anger.
