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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffHeadaches in children are common and are usually not serious. Like adults, children can develop migraines, chronic daily headaches or stress-related (tension) headaches, although their symptoms may be different.
In some cases, headaches in children are caused by an infection, high levels of stress or anxiety, or minor head trauma. That's why it's important to pay attention to your child's headache symptoms and to consult a doctor if the headache worsens or occurs frequently. Headaches in children can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and other lifestyle and home measures.
Symptoms
References
- Moe PG, et al. Neurologic and muscular disorders. In: Hay WW Jr., et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3405364. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Lewis DW. Headaches in children and adolescents. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2002;65:625.
- Cruse RP. Management of migraine headache in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Cruse RP. Pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of migraine in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Brazis PW, et al. Approach to the child with headache. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Anttila P. Tension-type headache in childhood and adolescence. The Lancet Neurology. 2006;5:268.
- Treatment of migraine headache in children and adolescents. American Academy of Neurology. http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/pdfs/Headache_Peds_Patients.pdf. Accessed Jan 13, 2009.
- Mack KJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 16, 2009.
- Mahoney KR (expert opinion). Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Md. Feb. 4, 2009.
- Internal analgesic, antipyretic and antirheumatic drug products for over-the-counter human use: Tentative final monograph. Federal Register.1998;53:46204.
