Symptoms In Children Can Be Different Than Those Of Adults

• Although children may get the same kind of headaches as adults, their symptoms may differ.

• That can make it difficult to pinpoint from what type of a headache a child is suffering.

• However, typically certain headache types are more prevalent than others.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days.

Symptoms Include:

• A pressing tightness in the muscles of the neck or head;

• Non-pulsating pain bilaterally, mild to moderate in nature;

• The pain does not worsen with physical activity;

• No nausea or vomiting;

• Younger children may withdraw from regular play and sleep more.

Cluster Headaches

These are typically experienced by children over 10 years of age.

A Child May Experience These Symptoms:

• Sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head that lasts less than three hours;

• The child may also experience congestion, a runny nose, teariness, restlessness, or even agitation;

• Cluster headaches occur in groups of five or more episodes;

• The child may experience symptoms every other day to several in a single day.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can even be experienced by infants and toddlers. Look for signs of distress, such as the child holding his head.

Other Symptoms Include:

• Pulsating, throbbing or pounding head pain;

• Nausea;

• Vomiting;

• Abdominal pain;

• Extreme sensitivity to head and sound;

• Pain worsens with exertion.

Chronic Daily Headache (CDH)

Doctors diagnose this type of a headache when a migraine or a tension headache is experienced 15 or more days a month.

Headache Triggers

Headaches Can Develop From A Number Of Sources:

• Illness/Infections

• Head trauma

• Genetic predisposition

• Brain anomalies

• Lack of sleep

• Dehydration

• Stress

• Vision problems

• Menstruation

• Certain medicationsSkipping meals

• Smoking

• Strong odors

• Too much caffeine

• Specific Foods: cheese, nuts, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fatty food, fried foods, lunch meats, hot dogs, yogurt, aspartame, and foods containing [MSG]

Is your Child At Risk?

Risk Factors For Children Developing Headaches Are:

• Older teens

• Family history

• Girls reaching puberty

Prevention Tips

• Keep a headache diary. Document when they occur, how long they last, and what, if anything, finds relief;

• Identify triggers. Avoid those things that set off a headache;

• Reduce stress. Parents should be alert as to what stresses their children;

• Practice healthy behaviors. Promote good health by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits;

• If your child is under a doctor’s care, make sure your child takes medications regularly.