Headaches in Children

Children, like adults, often suffer from mild acute or recurrent headache pain. Mild acute headaches occur occasionally and can result from a viral illness or a fever.

Many children suffer from recurrent headaches caused by tension. The neck muscles become sore and tight, causing pain of the forehead, temples or back of head.

Tension headaches in children frequently occur from prolonged use of video games, computers or other sedentary activities that cause improper posture for an extended period. This type of headache can also be from poor vision with eye strain or a reaction to stress.

Caring for Acute Headaches

To ease pain caused by acute headaches, try the following remedies.

• Have your child lie down and rest in a low stimulation environment until the pain subsides.
• Give appropriate weight-based dosing of ibuprofen or acetaminophen at the onset of pain.
• Apply a cool washcloth on the forehead or back of neck.

Caring for Tension Headaches

To reduce the pain of a tension headache, try the following tactics.

• Encourage your child to talk about things that may be bothering him or her.
• Teach your child not to skip meals and drink adequate fluids.
• Ensure your child is getting enough sleep (8-10 hours each night).
• Stretch or massage tight neck, forehead and temple muscles.
• Encourage your child to take breaks from activities that require sustained concentration.
• Have your child’s vision checked.
• Encourage screen time limits and take screen-free breaks.
• Give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen and have him or her lie down. Give Tylenol and Motrin only for a severe headaches and avoid taking these medications frequently. Over-the-counter pain medicines should only be used 2-3 times per week.

When to See a Physician about Headaches

Mild acute headaches do not normally require medical attention.

Many headaches caused by illness come and go, but tension headaches recur and can last from a few hours to a day or longer. The causes for recurrent headaches are numerous, so if your child is experiencing recurrent headaches, he or she should be evaluated by a medical professional. Another reason to seek medical attention would be if your child is experiencing severe headaches that are causing them to withdraw from activity, have light and/or noise sensitivity or have nausea and/or vomiting.

Call your child’s physician immediately or go to your nearest Emergency Department if:

• Pain is severe and persists more than two hours after your child takes pain medication.
• Your child has difficulty with vision, thinking, speech or walking.
• Your child’s neck is stiff or your child is acting very sick.