Why Your Child Gets Headaches and How to Treat Them

Headaches in children are common, and typically they do not signal a serious underlying health condition. Whether during a visit to our Cumming pediatrician’s office, or by using our pediatric telemedicine service, at Vickery Pediatrics we support children who are experiencing frequent headaches. With side effects that can include loss of sleep, poor diet and behavioral issues, evaluation and treatment can relieve ongoing symptoms and identify the illness that may be causing the headaches. Here are some of the key facts about pediatric headaches that you need to know.

What Is a Headache?

A headache is a symptom and usually does not signal a serious health problem. In fact, 50% to 75% of all teens report having at least one headache per month. However, more frequent headaches can be upsetting and worrisome for you and your family. The most common headaches for teenagers are tension headaches and migraines. Sometimes these problems may be associated with health concerns that require a visit to your pediatrician.

What Causes Headaches?

• Illness – Headaches often are a symptom of other illnesses. Viral infections, strep throat, allergies, sinus infections and urinary tract infections can be accompanied by headaches. Fever may also be associated with headaches.
• Skipping Meals – Children and teens need to eat at regular intervals and drink at least 6- 8 glasses of water per day. Frequent skipping of meals or not keeping up with fluid losses can lead to headaches
• Drugs – Alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, diet pills and other drugs may give you a headache.
• Prescribed Medications – Sometimes headaches can also be caused by prescribed medication, such as birth control pills, tetracycline for acne and high doses of vitamin A.
• Headaches can also be caused by sleep problems, minor head injuries or certain foods (dairy products, chocolate, and food additives like nitrates, nitrites and monosodium glutamate).

What Are the Different Types of Headaches?

• Tension headaches often feel like a tight band is around your head. The pain is dull and aching and usually will be felt on both sides of your head, but may be in front and back as well.  Pressure at school or at home, arguments with parents or friends, having too much to do and feeling anxious or depressed can all lead to a headache.
• Migraines often are described as throbbing and usually are felt on only one side of your head, but may be felt on both. A migraine may make you feel light-headed or dizzy and/or make your stomach upset. You may see spots or be sensitive to light, sounds and smells. If you get migraines, chances are one of your parents or other family members also has had this problem. Migraines in women are very common during the pre-menstrual time of development
• Psychogenic headaches are similar to tension headaches but are caused by emotional problems such as depression. Signs of depression include loss of energy, poor appetite or overeating, loss of interest in usual activities, change in sleeping patterns and difficulty thinking or concentrating.

It is very helpful to keep track of your child’s symptoms to help identify steps to help your child feel better.

The following link includes a headache log that can help track symptoms – sharing it with us will help guide next steps to treatment: National Headache Foundation’s Headache Diary

The following link has great information about headaches: National Headache Foundation’s Headache Chart

When Should I Call the Doctor Because My Child Has a Headache?

• If the headaches begin to disrupt school, social or home life
• If the headaches are after a head injury, particularly if they fainted after the hit
• If the headaches are associated with seizures or fainting
• If they get more than one headache a week
• If the headache pain is severe and prevents them from doing activities they want to do
• If the headaches wake them from sleep or occur in the early morning
• If the headaches cause blurred vision, eye spots or other visual changes
• If fever, vomiting, stiff neck, toothache or jaw pain accompany the headache

Cumming-Based Treatments for Headaches in Children

Vickery Pediatrics offers support and treatment for children with severe and recurring headaches. We provide in-person and telemedicine visits to families in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. Call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment today.