8 things to watch for when your child has a headache

Headaches are common in childhood. Most of the time, they are nothing to worry about and are caused by common minor illnesses, a mild bump to the head, lack of sleep, not getting enough food or drink, or stress. Migraines can also be seen in childhood, but with awareness and avoidance of triggers, they don’t usually cause problems. Sometimes, though, headaches are a problem — and something to worry about. Here is when you should worry: 1. When a headache is accompanied by a fever and a stiff neck. Your child should be able to look up at the ceiling, touch his chin to his chest and shake his head back and forth. If he can’t, you should bring him to an emergency room to be sure he doesn’t have meningitis. 2. When the pain is severe and unrelenting despite acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Any bad pain anywhere deserves medical attention. 3. When a headache is accompanied by frequent or persistent vomiting, especially in the absence of other signs of illness like fever or diarrhea. It may just be a virus, and children may have vomiting after a head bump, but it’s worth a call to the doctor, as vomiting can be a sign of pressure on the brain. 4. When along with a headache, your child is unusually sleepy or has trouble walking, talking, or doing other normal activities. Again, it could just be a virus — but you should check in with your doctor. 5. When a headache wakes your child from sleep. Sometimes children wake up for other reasons and realize they have a headache; that ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Children's Health Headache Parenting Source Type: blogs