Headache in children: notes for parents

Headache in children is not rare and is most often linked to simple causes, but sometimes this symptom can also point to a more serious condition. The main aim for parents is to observe the character of the pain, work out the cause and, when needed, see a doctor in good time.

Common causes of headache in children

The causes of headache in children are varied and change with age, daily routine and emotional state. The most common are these:

• A disrupted sleep routine
• Dehydration and irregular eating
• Long periods looking at a screen (tablet, phone, television)
• Eye strain and impaired vision
• Stress, tension, school anxiety or fear
• Colds, fever and infections
• Changes in blood pressure or in blood sugar

In most cases the headache passes once these causes are removed. But if the pain recurs often and affects the child's daily activities, that already calls for attention.

Paying attention to the character of the pain

To understand the cause of a child's headache, parents should observe the following features of the pain:

• When the pain starts (for example, in the morning, during lessons, in the evening)
• Which part of the head the pain is felt in (forehead, temple, back of the head)
• The duration and the intensity of the pain
• Whether it changes with physical activity or with light and sound
• Whether there is nausea, vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbance or weakness

This information is very important for the doctor and helps the diagnosis to be made correctly.

Types of headache in children

1. Tension-type headache – the most common form. The child usually uses expressions such as “my head is being squeezed”, “my head is tired”. It is usually linked to stress, prolonged reading or computer use.
2. Migraine – can occur in children as well. It usually starts with one-sided, throbbing pain and is accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. In some children visual changes (aura) come first.
3. Headache linked to infections – seen with colds, flu, sinusitis or ear infections.
4. Eye-related pain – can appear with weak eyesight, astigmatism or the use of glasses without proper correction.

Simple, safe steps for parents

• Make sure the child drinks enough water.
• Make sure they take breaks to rest during the day.
• Limit the time they spend in front of a screen.
• Make sure they get enough sleep (on average 9–10 hours for a school-age child).
• Keep the child's meals regular, and in particular make sure they do not skip breakfast.
• Letting the child rest for a while in a quiet, unlit room is helpful.
• A cold compress on the forehead and temples can reduce tension-type headache.

When you need to see a doctor

If any one of the following is seen, you must see a doctor:

• The headache started suddenly and is very severe
• The child has loss of consciousness, vomiting, dizziness or visual disturbance
• The pain comes every day or wakes the child at night
• The pain appeared after an injury (a fall, a blow)
• There is fever, neck stiffness, a rash or changes in behaviour

These signs can sometimes point to raised pressure in the brain, an infection or other serious conditions.

Prevention and daily habits

• The child's daily routine should be steady.
• A balance should be struck between school and rest.
• Long periods in closed, poorly aired spaces should be avoided.
• Physical activity, outdoor play and calming activities (music, drawing, reading) reduce the child's stress.

Headache in children most often has simple causes, and the parent's observation is the main key to finding the right direction. If the pain recurs or is severe, the right step is to see a paediatrician or a neurologist in good time.