Migraine Red Flags

While headaches and migraines are fairly common in children, they should still be taken seriously. If a child has been experiencing migraines or severe headaches often or for an extended period of time, they should see a doctor.

Some symptoms, in particular, should be seen as red flags and a sign to schedule an appointment with your child's doctor as soon as possible. Such symptoms include:

• Increased headache or migraine severity, for example a change in pattern, frequency or intensity
• Pain located in a specific area
• Pain that wakes a child during the night or early morning headaches (comes on when they wake up)
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Weakness in face, arms or legs
• Pain that leads to vomiting
• Recent head trauma
• Confusion; change in thinking or personality
• Inability to stay balanced
• Pain that worsens when child is in a horizontal position

If you are concerned about your child's headaches or migraines or if they experience any of the above symptoms, you can self-refer to Boys Town Pediatric Neurology at (531) 355-7420.