Headaches are common in children and can happen due to different reasons. Some kids may suffer from headaches due to inherited traits, while others may get affected by environmental triggers.

Understanding the reasons behind the headaches is crucial to identify the warning signs that indicate trouble. But how do you know when to worry about your child’s headaches?.

Types of Headaches

Headaches are generally classified into two. Primary headaches are caused by overactivity or sensitiveness of the pain-sensitive structures in the brain.

Secondary headaches are a symptom of another condition that triggers pain-sensitive nerves in the head, neck, and sinuses.

Common causes of headaches in children

The common causes of headaches in children include:.

Migraines

Migraines are common in children and are associated with intense pain, vomiting, and light sensitivity. The symptoms can last for hours or even days. The exact cause of migraines is still unclear.

Sinus issues

Nasal congestion caused by allergies, a cold or flu can lead to headaches as the sinuses become inflamed.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are caused by tightness and tension in the muscles around the neck and scalp. The pain can be moderate to intense and may last for a few hours or days.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are relatively rare in children. They are characterized by attacks of intense pain that occur in clusters, usually around the same time each day for several weeks or months.

Related Article Is Your Child’s Headache Serious?

They may be accompanied by shortness of breath and nasal congestion.

When to worry about your child’s headaches

While most headaches in children are not serious, some signs indicate that the headache may be a symptom of an underlying problem and requires immediate medical attention. Watch out for the following warning signs:.

Severe pain

If your child complains of severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication, this may indicate a severe headache and requires medical attention.

Headache accompanied by vomiting

Nausea and vomiting that accompany a headache may indicate that the headache is a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Headache accompanied by fever

A headache that is accompanied by fever may be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection and requires medical attention.

Headache that worsens with physical activity

If the headache becomes worse with physical activity or causes dizziness or loss of coordination, this may indicate a serious problem and needs prompt medical attention.

Headache that wakes your child up from sleep

If your child wakes up from sleep with a headache, this may indicate a serious problem and requires prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

Headaches in children are common and usually are not a sign of a severe condition. However, if your child experiences any of the above warning signs, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Understanding the underlying cause of your child’s headache will go a long way in identifying the appropriate course of treatment and alleviating your child’s pain.