Headaches in Children – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Headaches are a common health concern in children and can occur at any age, from early childhood through adolescence. While they are often brief and harmless, headaches can sometimes interfere with daily activities like school, play, or sleep.

Because every child’s experience with headaches is different, a closer look at their patterns and possible underlying influences can help parents and caregivers support their child’s well-being.

Types and Symptoms of Headaches in Children

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches in children can show up differently than in adults. While adult migraines typically last four hours or more, children may experience shorter periods of pain.

Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing or pulsing pain in the head
• Pain that gets worse with physical activity
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Strong sensitivity to light and sound

Even babies can have migraines. Since they can’t explain what hurts, infants might cry a lot or rock back and forth when they’re in pain.

Head Tension Pain

These headaches create a feeling of tightness in the head or neck muscles.

Children with tension headaches often feel:

• Mild to medium pressure-like pain on both sides of the head
• Pain that stays the same during physical activity
• Discomfort without nausea or vomiting

Young children might stop playing and want to sleep more when experiencing these headaches. The pain can last anywhere from half an hour to several days.

Severe One-Sided Headaches

These headaches rarely affect children under 10 years old. When they do occur, they typically:

• Come in groups of five or more episodes
• Range from one headache every other day to eight headaches daily
• Cause sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head
• Last less than three hours
• Include teary eyes, stuffy or runny noses, or restless behavior

Daily Recurring Headaches

When headaches happen more than 15 days each month, doctors call this condition daily recurring headaches. These persistent headaches can be either migraines or tension-type pain.

Possible causes include:

• Infections
• Minor head injuries
• Using pain medication too frequently (even over-the-counter options)

These frequent headaches can significantly impact a child’s daily activities and quality of life.

When To See a Doctor

While most headaches in children are not dangerous, there are times when medical help is needed.

Contact a doctor if your child’s headaches:

• Wake them up from sleep
• Get worse or happen more often
• Cause personality changes
• Occur after a head injury
• Come with ongoing vomiting or vision problems
• Happen along with fever and neck pain or stiffness

If you have concerns about your child’s headaches, even if they seem minor, talking with their doctor is always a good idea.

Causes

Headaches in children can stem from various factors. Understanding these causes can help parents address the pain effectively.

Illness and Infection

• Common illnesses (colds, flu, ear infections, sinus infections)
• Rare but serious conditions like meningitis or encephalitis

Head Injuries

Head trauma from falls or hits can trigger headaches. If your child experiences worsening pain after a head injury, seek medical attention promptly.

Emotional Triggers

Stress and anxiety from school, friendships, or family situations may lead to headaches. Children with depression might complain of headaches when they struggle to express feelings of sadness.

Family History

Headaches, especially migraines, often run in families. If parents experience headaches, their children may be more likely to have them too.

Diet Factors

Several food-related triggers include:

• Nitrates in processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, bologna)
• MSG (food additive)
• Excessive caffeine from sodas, chocolates, and sports drinks

Brain Issues

In rare cases, serious conditions like brain tumors, abscesses, or bleeding can cause persistent, worsening headaches. These typically come with other symptoms such as:

• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Poor coordination

Risk Factors

Certain children are more likely to experience headaches. These include:

• Girls who have started puberty
• Children who have parents or relatives with a history of headaches or migraines
• Teens in their later teenage years

Anyone can get headaches, but these factors may increase the chance of developing them.

Prevention

Preventing headaches in children involves several key steps that parents can take. These steps can reduce both how often and how severe headaches become.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Good overall health helps prevent headaches. Make sure your child:

• Gets enough sleep each night
• Stays active with regular physical activity
• Eats nutritious meals and snacks
• Drinks 6-8 glasses of water daily
• Limits caffeine intake

Manage Stress Levels

Stress often triggers headaches in children. Watch for potential stressors such as:

• Schoolwork difficulties
• Problems with friends
• Busy schedules
• Family tensions

If anxiety or depression might be causing your child’s headaches, consider speaking with a mental health professional.

Track Headache Patterns

Keeping a detailed headache diary helps identify patterns. Record:

• When headaches begin
• How long they last
• What seems to trigger them
• What provides relief
• How medications work

This information helps you understand your child’s specific headache pattern.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Once you know what causes your child’s headaches, avoid those triggers. Common triggers include:

• Certain foods or drinks
• Irregular meals
• Too much screen time
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Strong smells or lights

Follow Medical Advice

If your child has severe or frequent headaches, follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Some children benefit from preventive medications. These can reduce headache frequency, lessen headache intensity, and improve quality of life.

These might include certain anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, or beta blockers taken regularly.