Headaches usually are brief and can be caused by many things, including too little sleep, eye strain, stress, sinus infections or a bump to the head. Some headaches last longer and come with other symptoms. Very rarely, headaches can be a sign of something serious, making it even more important to watch out for headaches in kids. Here's what you need to know.
Signs and Symptoms
The two most common types of headaches in kids and teens are tension headaches and migraine headaches.
Of a Tension Headache:
- a feeling of squeezing or pressure around the front, sides and back of the head
- dull, steady pain
- pain is not worsened by activity
- no nausea or vomiting
- muscles of the scalp, face and shoulders may be sore to the touch
Of a Migraine Headache:
- pounding, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
- pain is worsened by rapid motion
- dizziness, feeling tired
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal (belly) pain
- seeing spots or halos
- sensitivity to light, noise and/or smells
What to Do
Most headaches require little medical intervention. To help ease pain, have your child:
- lie down in a dark, quiet room
- take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed
- put a cool, moist cloth across the forehead or eyes
Seek Medical Care if the Headaches:
- occur once a month or more
- don't go away easily
- are more painful than usual
- prevent your child from participating in everyday activities
- follow a head injury or loss of consciousness
- come with any of these symptoms:
- decreased alertness or confusion
- fever or persistent vomiting
- seizures
- changes in vision
- weakness
- skin rash
- neck pain or stiffness
This was posted in Content Catalyst on 5/31/17 related toolkit is neurology.
Original Source published in April 2014: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/headaches-sheet.html
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