Headaches in children
Overview of children's headaches
How common is headache in children and whom does it affect?
How common is headache in children and whom does it affect?
Headaches in children are common.
Like adults, children can develop different types of headaches, including migraines or stress-related (tension) headaches.
Children can also have chronic daily headaches.
How common is headache in children and whom does it affect?
How common is headache in children and whom does it affect?
How common is headache in children and whom does it affect?
- Up to 50 per cent of children aged seven years and up to 80 per cent of 15 year olds have experienced at least one headache.
- Before puberty, headache affects girls and boys in equal numbers, but after puberty about three times as many girls get headaches compared with boys
What causes a headache or migraine?
How common is headache in children and whom does it affect?
What causes a headache or migraine?
- The tendency to suffer from migraines is inherited. Someone else in a child’s family will suffer from them too.
- There can also be triggers. Some migraine sufferers can identify clear triggers.
- It is possible for them to prevent attacks by avoiding these, but it is rarely so straightforward.
How is headache diagnosed?
- When your child sees a doctor about headaches, the doctor will do a careful check-up to find out what might be causing them.
- They’ll ask when the headaches started, where the pain is, and if there are any other symptoms such as feeling sick, sensitivity to light, or seizures.
- The doctor will also look at your child’s past health and any c
- When your child sees a doctor about headaches, the doctor will do a careful check-up to find out what might be causing them.
- They’ll ask when the headaches started, where the pain is, and if there are any other symptoms such as feeling sick, sensitivity to light, or seizures.
- The doctor will also look at your child’s past health and any current medical conditions that could play a role.
- In addition, they’ll talk about everyday factors like stress, school, or things happening at home, as these can sometimes trigger headaches.
What treatments are available?
Management of headache in children is multifaceted and involves a combination of approaches -
- making an accurate diagnosis,
- helping understand the condition,
- support at home and school,
- psychological help,
- identifying and avoiding triggers and
- medication.
Medications
Medications
Medication is of two types:
- Reliever – to use in the acute attack during or at the beginning of a headache.
- Preventive - taken every day to prevent them from occurring.
Red Flag features
Investigations
Imaging like an MRI or CT scan is reserved for cases with concerning symptoms
How can we help ?
How can we help ?
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan will be able to assist in diagnosing and managing headaches in children.
He will look for possible causes by carefully reviewing your child’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors such as stress or sleep.
Using his expertise, he can identify triggers, rule out serious conditions, and create a personalised treatment plan.