Headaches in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Headaches in children are common1. Up to 50% of children aged seven years have experienced at least one headache2. Headaches in children are typically mild and often only happen from time to time1. But sometimes, children’s headaches can be a sign of something more worrying1.
Here, we’ll cover the signs, symptoms and causes of headaches in children. We’ll also look at potential treatment and management options to help your little one feel their best again.
Signs of headaches in children
It’s not uncommon for children to have headaches3. While headaches in children aren’t usually a sign of anything serious, their symptoms can vary from adults, and kids can often have difficulty describing them4.
Children’s headache symptoms can occur around the head or neck area4. But symptoms can vary depending on the type of headache your child has3.
Headaches can be split into primary and secondary headaches4.
Primary headaches in children
Migraines in children
The most common type of primary headache in children is a ‘migraine without aura’2. These typically occur for a shorter period than adults and can affect both sides of a child’s head2.
Warning signs that a migraine may be coming on – which are often referred to as an ‘aura’ – include disturbed vision, strange tastes or smells, or wobbliness2. They can also be followed by nausea and vomiting3.
Tension headaches in children
Another common type of primary headache in children is a tension headache2. They also often occur on both sides of the head but are typically less severe than migraines2. They can often feel like a ‘tight band’ around the head4. However, tension headaches tend to last longer than migraines and can happen more frequently2.
Secondary headaches in children
Secondary headaches have an identifiable cause, so will often be accompanied by other symptoms4. Common causes of secondary headaches in children include viral infections, such as colds, sinus and ear infections4.
Causes of headaches in children
Secondary headaches often have an underlying cause, such as a viral, sinus or ear infection4. It’s very rare that these types of headaches are caused by something more serious4.
Primary headaches, on the other hand, aren’t triggered by illnesses or allergies5. These types of headaches occur when the pain in your child’s head is the condition5. Possible causes can include stress, anxiety, and tension3.
Migraines can run in families3. For example, around 60% of people who have migraines have an immediate family member who also has them3. Triggers can include particular foods and drinks, fatigue, sleep disruption, and spending too much time on the computer2.
Children with immediate family members who are prone to headaches, and those with high stress levels, are also often more at risk of getting them3.
Diagnosing headaches in children
If your child is experiencing headaches, a doctor will likely conduct a history check to find out what may be causing them2. They’ll also ask about accompanying symptoms and if any previous treatments have worked2.
They’ll look at aspects of your child’s everyday life too, such as stress at home or school, to help identify specific things that could be triggering their headaches2.
A doctor may also perform a physical examination4. If nothing concerning comes from these tests, it’s unlikely that further examinations will be needed4.
Treating headaches in children
Fortunately, there are different options for managing and treating headaches in children. These can include:
At-home treatments – Most headaches can be treated at home4. When a headache kicks in, encourage your child to eat, hydrate and relax4. You can also apply a wet cloth to their forehead to help soothe any pain4. Massaging or stretching their neck and shoulders may also help to relieve tightness in these areas4.
Medication – Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, may help to relieve children’s headaches4. The CALPOL® range contains a variety of products which contain paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat pain caused by headaches to help your little ones get back to normal. If your child is still needing pain relief medication for their headache for more than three days, speak to a doctor4.
Lifestyle changes – Stress can make headaches worse, so teaching your child to relax may help to ease some of the pain6.
When to seek medical attention for a child’s headache
Sometimes headaches in children can be a sign of something more serious4. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention4:
Their headaches are getting worse
They’re experiencing more than one headache a week
Their headaches disrupt their sleep
They wake up with a headache or their headache tends to be worse first thing in the morning
The headaches begin to disrupt your child’s life
You think stress may be causing them to have headaches but don’t know how to manage it alone
Seek emergency help if4:
Your child is having seizures
They become drowsy or you can’t wake them up
They are floppy
The headache is associated with vomiting, fever, neck stiffness or rashes
How to prevent kids’ headaches
Headaches in children can be prevented through a balanced diet, good sleep, stress management, and exercise3.
Avoiding certain triggers may also help to reduce the risk of headaches3. The best way to do this is to identify triggers that may be causing their headaches and look for ways to avoid them3. Every child is different, and so are their triggers3, but some of the most common triggers include3:
Lack of sleep
Certain foods (such as aged cheeses, chocolate, foods containing MSG, and nitrates from the likes of lunch meats and hot dogs)
Caffeinated drinks (like sodas)
To help reduce the risk of headaches, make sure your child3:
Gets enough sleep
Eats a balanced diet
Drinks plenty of water every day
Regularly exercises
Finds time to relax