When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Headache?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When the headaches are frequent

— or are interfering with daily life. If your child has headaches two or more times a week, or they are making it hard for your child to do homework, play, or otherwise live a normal life, give your doctor a call.

How do you prevent headaches in children?

  1. Rest and relaxation. Encourage your child to rest in a dark, quiet room. …
  2. Use a cool, wet compress. While your child rests, place a cool, wet cloth on his or her forehead.
  3. Offer a healthy snack.

Why does my child keep getting headaches?


When the headaches are frequent

— or are interfering with daily life. If your child has headaches two or more times a week, or they are making it hard for your child to do homework, play, or otherwise live a normal life, give your doctor a call.

When should you be concerned about a headache?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you: have a

sudden, very severe

, and it's the first time it's happened. are experiencing any of the signs of stroke including a dropped face on one side; droopy mouth or eye; cannot lift one or both arms; or have slurred or garbled speech.

What is the most frequent type of headache?


Tension headaches

are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are thought to play a role, as are genetics and environment. Symptoms usually include moderate pain on or around both sides of the head, and/or pain in the back of the head and neck.

Can growth spurts cause headaches?

Growing pains usually cause an aching or throbbing feeling in the

legs

. This pain often occurs in the front of the thighs, the calves or behind the knees. Usually both legs hurt. Some children may also experience abdominal pain or headaches during episodes of growing pains.

How do I know if my child has a headache?

  1. Throbbing or pounding head pain. …
  2. Nausea and/or vomiting.
  3. Stomach ache. …
  4. Extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
  5. Pressing tightness in the head or neck muscles.
  6. Sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides of the head.

How do I know if my child has migraines?

  1. Pounding or throbbing head pain. In children, the pain usually affects the front or both sides of the head. …
  2. Pale skin color.
  3. Irritable, moody.
  4. Sensitivity to sound.
  5. Sensitivity to light.
  6. Loss of appetite.
  7. Nausea and/or vomiting.

Can too much screen time cause headaches?

Too much screen time may result in what's known as

digital eye strain

, causing symptoms like tired, itching, or burning eyes. Eye strain has the potential to result in headaches centered around the eyes and temples.

What does it mean if you have a headache for 3 days straight?


Migraine headaches

are often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually happen one to four times a month. Along with the pain, people have other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, noise, or smells; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and upset stomach or belly pain.

Can low iron cause headaches?

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can cause the brain to receive less oxygen than it needs to function optimally, leading to

basic headaches

. IDA has also been associated with migraine, especially in women who are menstruating.

What helps with bad headaches?

  • Rest in a quiet, dark room.
  • Hot or cold compresses to your head or neck.
  • Massage and small amounts of caffeine.
  • Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and aspirin.

What does it mean if my head hurts everyday?

Often,

headaches

are triggered by lifestyle or environmental factors such as stress, changes in weather, caffeine use, or lack of sleep. Overuse of pain medication can also cause a constant headache. This is called a medication overuse headache or a rebound headache.

What does high blood pressure headache feel like?

According to a paper in the Iranian Journal of Neurology , headaches due to high blood pressure typically occur on both sides of the head. The headache pain

tends to pulsate and often gets worse with physical activity

.

What are the 4 types of headaches?

There are several hundred types of headaches, but there are four very common types:

sinus, tension, migraine, and cluster

. Headaches are always classified as either primary or secondary.

Can you trigger a growth spurt?

You generally

stop growing taller after you go through puberty

. This means that as an adult, you are unlikely to increase your height. However, there are certain things that you can do throughout adolescence to ensure that you're maximizing your potential for growth.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.