Understanding What Headaches Mean for Children

Headaches are a common issue that can affect children of all ages, even as young as 4 years old. It is one of the most common causes of pain in children that can significantly impact their quality of life. There is often an overlap in symptoms of headaches and migraines, as well as changes in headache features, especially during the transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Obtaining diagnosis and treatment can help prevent headaches from becoming chronic and disabling.

Causes of Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache in children. These headaches are usually characterized by tightness or pressure like a band squeezing the head that is mild to moderate in pain intensity. There are usually no associated symptoms of light or sound sensitivity, nausea, or vomiting. 

Tension headaches typically last a few hours and are often triggered by factors such as:

• Stress: Stress from school, social situations, or family issues can lead to tension headaches. Teaching children stress-management techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness, can help alleviate these headaches. 
• Head Injury: Even minor head trauma can cause headaches. It’s important to monitor children after any head injury for signs of a concussion, such as dizziness, confusion, vomiting, or persistent headaches. 
• Common Cold: Viral illnesses can trigger and worsen headaches due to a variety of reasons including inflammation, metabolic stress, and decreased sleep/dehydration. 
• Fatigue: Lack of sleep or exhaustion from physical activities can lead to headaches.
• Emotional Factors: Strong emotions like anxiety, worry, or sadness can contribute to tension headaches.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water, especially during hot weather or after physical activity, can trigger headaches.

What's the Difference Between Tension-Type Headaches and Migraines?

Unlike tension headaches, migraines are characterized by severe, throbbing headaches accompanied with nausea and vomiting, light or sound sensitivity, lightheadedness, or visual changes which can last from 2 to 72 hours. In younger children, GI symptoms including stomach pain and vomiting can occur. Prompt treatment and supportive care are importance as migraines can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, affecting their school performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Children with migraines often have a genetic predisposition, with one or both parents having history of migraines. They can be triggered by poor sleep, puberty, diet or stress. 

Other factors that can trigger migraines in children include:

• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels during puberty, especially in girls can trigger migraines. They are most commonly associated with the menstruation cycles where estrogen levels can fluctuate. 
• Certain Foods and Drinks: Certain foods (chocolate, cheese, and processed meats) and caffeinated beverages can trigger migraines. 
• Environmental Factors: Changes in weather, exposure to bright lights, strong odors, or loud noises can provoke migraines.
• Sleep Disturbances: Irregular sleep patterns, whether too much or too little sleep, can be a trigger.

In some cases, a child may develop status migrainosus, a severe migraine form lasting over 72 hours. If your child continues to present severe migraine symptoms after a day, consulting a pediatric specialist is recommended. Pediatric neurologists are specially trained to treat children with a unique anatomy that differs greatly from adults, and they are trained to comprehend the subtleties of how children may express or describe their pain in the area of their head.

How Do I Treat My Child's Headaches?

Headaches can be annoying but are often treatable with simple home remedies. Here are some effective ways to help your child feel better:

• Use Heat or Cold: Applying a cold compress or a warm, wet washcloth to the head or neck may soothe the child’s discomfort. 
• Calm/relaxing environment: Turn off lights, find a quiet room child, and encourage rest. 
• Pain Relief Medications: Use over-the-counter pain relief medications to alleviate the headache pain. Always consult your child’s primary care physician for the appropriate dosage. 

Can I Reduce the Frequency of My Child's Headaches?

There are several ways a parent can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches in children. Parents can help their children adopt healthy habits to keep headaches at bay:

• Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ensure children get 8 – 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, depending on their age. A regular sleep schedule can help prevent headaches triggered by fatigue. 
• Stay Physically Active: Engaging in at least 45 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as swimming, running or playing a sport, for four days a week can help release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. 
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Encourage regular, well-balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid skipping meals, as this can lead to low blood sugar and trigger headaches. Encourage children to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration-related headaches. 
• Limit Screen Time: Prolonged screen exposure can cause eye strain and subsequent headaches. It is important for children to take frequent breaks from electronic devices. Parents can do this by implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 
• Engage in New Hobbies: Activities like painting, reading, or cooking can help reduce stress and anxiety. 

How Can I Tell if My Child is Having a Headache?

Children express headache pain differently depending on their age. Younger kids can act fussier, touch their heads, or have lower energy than usual. Elementary-aged children can complain about their head pain, want to take a nap in a dark room, and withdraw from activities they usually enjoy. Teenagers may be moody, distant, or irritable; they may spend more time alone or in their rooms and could be reluctant to participate in social activities. Effective communication and awareness of these signs can help parents identify when their child may be experiencing a headache or migraine, allowing for timely intervention.

Where Can My Child Receive Specialized Treatment for Headaches?

At MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the pediatric Neurology Center offers specialized care for children with headaches, migraines, and other neurological conditions. The expert team provides comprehensive treatment plans that manage symptoms from diagnosis through follow-up care, often collaborating with other pediatric subspecialists, such as neurosurgeons and physiatrists. 

Headaches aren’t fun for anyone, especially kids. Our care team understands this and is committed to providing compassionate care to help your child feel their best. Whether it’s treating a mild to moderate headaches or managing complex migraines, we are here to ensure your little one gets back to enjoying their childhood as quickly as possible.