Headache is a pain or discomfort in the head and is common in children. Sometimes a headache is associated with nausea and vomiting.

The two common types of headaches in children are:

• Tension headache: Occurs when the neck or head muscles get stressed out
• Migraine headache: Occurs due to specific triggers like physical activity, light, strong smell, or loud sounds

Symptoms:

Some of the common symptoms of headaches include:

• Sharp or throbbing pain
• Pain (head, neck, or face)
• Pale skin 
• Dizziness
• Fever 
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes:

The common causes of headaches in children include:

• Illness like the flu, an infection, or a fever
• Sinus infection
• Sore throat
• Ear infections
• Head trauma
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tension

Risk Factors:

The below factors increase your child’s risk of getting headaches:

• Stress
• Poor sleep
• Head injury
• Family history of migraines

Diagnosis:

Your child’s doctor will ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history:

The doctor would ask questions such as:

• Where is the pain?
• How do you feel?
• At what time do you get a headache?
• How long does the pain last?

The doctor will ask you the questions such as:

• Is your child’s sleep habit changed?
• Does your child have any emotional stress?
• Does your child have changes in behaviour?

Your child’s doctor can suggest more tests if any serious condition is suspected:

• MRI: This test uses large magnets and computer to produce the detailed images of the body organs
• CT scan: This test uses computer and X-rays to make detailed images of the body. It shows clear images of any body part
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): This test measures cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. It is also useful to check for an infection in the CSF

Treatment:

Simple home remedies work for mild headaches. This include:

• Rest in a quiet, dark environment
• Take medicines recommended by your child’s healthcare provider
• Manage stress
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger headaches
• Get enough sleep
• Do not skip the meals

Migraine headaches may be treated with medicines, like:

• Abortive medicines: Your child’s doctor will prescribe certain medicines. They can stop a headache in progress.

• Rescue medicines are over the counter (acetaminophen) that halts a headache.

• Preventive medicines: These are prescription medicines that are taken daily to reduce severe migraine headache attacks

Complications:

Below are the complications that might occur with frequent headaches:

· Behaviour problems

· Problems with grades at school

· Depression