There's one rule you can adopt that should keep your child safe: When in doubt, check it out.

What else can cause your child to have a headache? Fortunately, very few cases turn out to be serious or life- threatening — only about 5%. It's most difficult with very young children, of course, because they can't communicate their problems or needs to us. There's one rule you can adopt that should keep your child safe: When in doubt, check it out.

Head Trauma
Every kid bumps their head — multiple times. It's part of growing up. Of course, we don't rush them to the doctor every time. They may have a headache from that bump, and we take it in stride. If that headache lasts more than a couple of days or gets worse, take them to the doctor immediately. If you notice any changes in their response, they are excessively sleepy, or they are dizzy or nauseous, take them to the doctor.

Fever
This one is a bit confusing. You've seen times when your child had the flu or a cold with a fever and also had a headache. The fever produced the headache, and that was a "normal" headache. If, however, your child has a high fever and neurological symptoms, such as personality changes, stiff neck, weakness, seizures, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, it is essential that the child be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. In cases such as this, these symptoms could indicate encephalitis or meningitis and delayed diagnosis can be hazardous.

Sinus Infection?
Are you sure? Yes, sinus infections generally cause headaches, but a true sinus infection will be accompanied by fever and green or yellow nasal discharge. Decongestants that help relieve the headache pain associated with sinus infection contain ingredients that constrict blood vessels, so the would also help relieve other types of headaches. If the headaches you think are related to a sinus infection aren't accompanied by the other symptoms, they may be undiagnosed tension-type headaches or migraine attacks.

Other Organic Causes
Although rare, headache pain can be causes by problems such as aneurysms, blood clots, tumors, stroke, and other organic causes. Unexplained headaches must never be ignored.
       

© 2001, Teri Robert
About, Inc.