|
Links:
|
|
Headaches
Headache is a frequent complaint of children who come to the ER. Although headaches are not the result of serious disease in the majority of cases, they can be a frustrating problem in children and adolescents. What causes headaches in children?
There are many different causes for headache in children that will vary depending on age. - Febrile illness
2. Allergies (seasonal rhinitis) 3. Dehydration/Skipping Meals 4. Minor head injuries 5. Drugs – alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines 6. Certain foods (chocolate; food additives like nitrates, nitrites
and monosodium glutamate) 7. Prescribed medication, such as birth control pills, tetracycline
for acne, and high doses of vitamin A. 8. Jaw alignment problems (TMJ syndrome) 9. Not wearing the proper eye glasses, or an indication of
the need for eyeglasses 10. High blood pressure 11. Brain tumor (very rare)
What are the different types of headaches?
The most common headaches for teenagers are tension headaches and migraines.
Tension Headaches
- usually described as dull and steady
- usually will be felt on both sides of your head, but may be in front and back as well
- does not get better with sleep
- usually triggered by stress
- are not associated with vomiting or visual changes
Migraines - described as throbbing or pulsating
- usually felt on only one side of your head but may be felt on both
- may be lightheaded or dizzy with nausea or vomiting
- may be relieved with sleep
- the light may bother your eyes (photophobia)
- 1/3 of people describe an aura (visual or sensory changes that occur just before the headache starts, such as seeing spots or being sensitive to light, certain sounds and smells)
your parents or other family members may also have them
What are the signs that my child’s headache may be serious? - wakes your child up from sleep
- is present upon awakening in the morning
- persistent vomiting
- changes in his/her behavior or personality
- headaches that are increasing in frequency or severity
- headaches that are focal (occurring on just one side of the head)
- any neurological signs such as weakness, trouble walking, double vision
- fever and a stiff neck
How can headaches be prevented?
Avoiding certain triggers for a headache may be helpful: - artificial sweeteners
- chocolate
- caffeine
- too little sleep
- too much stress
- missed meals or dehydration
- excessive extracurricular activities
Keeping a daily headache journal may help you identify some of these triggers and give your doctor useful information about your child’s headache to make a proper diagnosis. Important information to document includes:
- When the headaches start (i.e. time of day)?
- How long do they last?
- What part of the head hurts? One side or both sides?
- Is the headache pulsating (i.e. “do you feel your heart beat in your head?”)
- Are there any other symptoms with the headaches such as nausea and vomiting?
- Does the light make their head hurt?
- Is there an aura before the headache?
- What was your child doing before the headache occurred?
- What did they eat before the headache occurred?
- What helped it to go away?
- So, for a child with migraine headaches it is important to maintain:
- Adequate hydration
- Regular meals
- Good night’s sleep
- Regular exercise
- Avoid certain foods
for a list of foods that may trigger migraine headaches and should be avoided, go to www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/diet_headache.html
What is the treatment for headaches? - The majority of children with an occasional headache can be treated with rest and simple pain management and with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
- Consult with your doctor on how much and how long your child should take these medications as there is the possibility a person could develop Medication Overuse Headache.
- For more severe, recurrent headaches, stronger medications are available but are only recommended after an evaluation by your pediatrician and/or a neurologist.
- When should I contact my pediatrician concerning my child’s headache?
You should call your doctor anytime your child’s headache is not improving with rest and pain medication or is worsening.
- Call immediately for any signs or symptoms that may suggest a serious cause for the headache as listed above.
|
|
|
Printer
Friendly Page
