Headaches in children factsheet
Introduction
Headaches can be a common type of pain in children and teenagers. Most headaches come from the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the head and neck. When the muscles or blood vessels swell or tighten, they put pressure on the nerves. Pressure on the nerves can cause pain in and around the head.
Headaches can be caused by things like:
- viral infections like cold and flu
- ear and sinus infections
- dehydration
- stress and anxiety
- lack of sleep
- menstruation or periods
- other health conditions that affect the head
- trauma, like a fall or hit to the head.
Migraines are a separate condition from general headaches.
Signs and symptoms
Headaches can be a symptom of another health condition. Pain is usually around the head and neck and can feel like:
- a tight band around the head
- squeezing
- sharp
- throbbing
- a general ache.
See your local doctor if your child’s headache:
- is getting worse
- keeps coming back
- wakes them from sleep
- stops them from getting to sleep
- causes them to miss school or other activities
- happens early in the morning
- causes vomiting
- happens all day, every day
- does not get better after taking over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol.
Symptoms of severe headache
Go to your nearest emergency department if your child has headaches and is under five years old or is:
- walking differently
- falling over
- feeling weaker
- complaining of dizziness or numbness
- having changes in their behaviour
- losing their motor skills, like dropping or bumping into things.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a headache, or a condition causing a headache, your child’s doctor will:
- take a medical history
- check any symptoms
- do a physical check.
They may also:
Treatment
Treatment of headaches will depend on:
- what is causing them
- how long they have been going on for
- how painful they are.
If your child has occasional headaches, they can be managed at home by:
Making sure they are eating and drinking well
- making sure they are resting
- placing a cool, wet cloth on their forehead
- using gentle massage or stretching of the head and neck muscles
- distracting them from pain with activities like art or music.
Your child’s doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Follow the instructions on the packet closely and see your local doctor if the headache:
- does not go away after two days
- gets worse.
Do not use aspirin for headaches in children.
Management
Persistent headaches
Persistent headaches keep coming back or last for a long time. They can be disruptive for children and impact things like:
- school attendance and performance
- social activities
- sleep
- mood
- appetite
- family relationships.
If your child has persistent headaches, track any symptoms and treatments in a diary and See your local doctor.
Medicine for headaches
Pain relief for headaches can be discussed with your child’s doctor.
Over-the-counter pain medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with persistent headaches. Depending on the cause of the headache, some children may need stronger pain relief.
Acupuncture and headaches
Some children get relief from headaches with acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy where thin, metal needles are inserted into specific areas of the skin.
Acupuncture should always be done by a registered healthcare provider. Talk to your child’s doctor for recommendations and referrals.
Movement and headaches
Children may avoid activities when they have headaches, such as staying home from school and sports. Regular movement and physical activity are important and improve:
- strength
- fitness
- energy
- mood
- sleep
- stress levels.
Movement and physical activity can also release hormones called endorphins. Endorphins can help to relieve pain and stress.
Some children may find their headaches can get worse if they stop moving and engaging in everyday activities.
If your child has had a long break from activity due to headaches, they should:
- start slowly and gently
- take regular, short breaks
increase activity slowly as they start to feel better.
Stress, anxiety and headaches
Persistent headaches can be very stressful for your child and the whole family. Stress and anxiety can worsen headache pain. Using relaxation strategies daily can help reduce pain.
These strategies can include:
- guided imagery
- meditation
- relaxing music
- distraction
- deep breathing.
Speak to your child’s doctor about any recommended relaxation videos or apps.
Some children may also benefit from seeing a psychologist, who can help with:
- managing stress and anxiety
- developing good sleep routines
- developing coping strategies for pain.
Psychologists can also advise parents and carers on how to support children with persistent headaches and pain.
Sleep and headaches
Getting enough sleep at night is also important for managing headaches. A good sleep routine for children includes:
- going to bed at the same time each night
- waking at the same time each day
- avoiding daytime naps
- using the bed only for sleeping
- not using screens an hour before bed.
School and headaches
It is important that your child continues to go to school, even with persistent headaches. School can be a good distraction and provide social support.
Talk with your child's school and teachers about strategies for managing headaches. They can help encourage rest breaks and identify any stressors that might make your child’s headache worse.
