Kids Get Headaches, Too
Everyone has headaches, kids included. So how do you know when a child's headache is just a headache and when it's something to be concerned about?
There will be many times when you know what caused your child to have a headache. Maybe it's from playing in the sun a bit too hard or a bit too long. Perhaps it's from a skipped nap or a significant disruption of household routine. The occasional headache caused by factors you can pinpoint is less worrisome and your pediatrician can give you advice on the best way to care for your child during those times.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Frequency: How often does your child have a headache? Dr. Hammond, a Nemours Children's Clinic pediatrician recommends that if your child has significant, unexplained headaches once a month or more over a period of several months, it's time to consult your pediatrician.
- Other symptoms: Mild nausea with headaches is common, but watch for fever and other signs of infection, listlessness, weakness, decreased alertness, inability to concentrate, visual problems, and tingling sensations.
- Apparent cause: When you can't pinpoint the cause, special attention should be paid.
- Family history: If there is a family history of headache disorder, there is an increased chance of the child having problems. If one parent has Migraine disease, the child has a 50% chance of having it also.
- Behavioral changes: if a child displays unexplained, significant changes in behavior, this should be noted.
When consulting your child's pediatrician about headaches, your observations will be one of the most important diagnostic tools employed. For this reason, one of the most helpful things a parent can do is to keep a headache diary. In this diary, note the date, time, symptoms, and possible causes. This will be invaluable information.
Children suffer the same types of headaches as adults. Dental problems, ear infections, and sinusitis can cause pain that a child will describe as a headache. Some medications can cause headache. Your pediatrician will explore these possibilities with you in the course of diagnosing your child. Should a headache disorder be diagnosed, there are many forms of treatment that can be employed to help your child.
Headache in children can be more difficult to diagnose because children may not be able to explain how they feel and what symptoms they are experiencing. If you observe signs of headache, remember that kids DO get headaches, too. Explore the possible causes with your pediatrician. There is help for childhood headaches.
