RECOGNIZING COMMON TYPES OF HEADACHES IN CHILDREN AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT APPROACHES

Headache is a common symptom in children. It can appear as early as preschool age and becomes more frequent in older children and adolescents. Headache presentations vary widely—from brief, occasional episodes to recurrent attacks of different intensities. Proper understanding helps parents recognize their child’s condition and manage it effectively. 

1️⃣ What is a headache? 

▪️ A headache is a symptom associated with many different conditions. It may occur in simple situations but can also be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder. 

▪️ By definition, a headache is pain or discomfort felt in the head or facial area. Headaches may occur as isolated episodes or recur over time, and the pain may be localized to one or multiple areas of the head and face. 

▪️ Headache assessment should take into account the child’s age, headache characteristics, associated symptoms, and how the condition evolves over time. 

2️⃣ Classification of headaches 

📢 Headaches are divided into two main groups: 

🔸 Primary headaches (the most common group in children) 

☑️ Migraine headache: 
▪️ In younger children: pain is usually bilateral, commonly in the forehead–temporal area; older children may experience unilateral pain 
▪️ Throbbing or pulsating pain, worsened by physical activity (walking, climbing stairs) 
▪️ May be accompanied by nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise 
▪️ Children often reduce activity and prefer to lie down and rest in a quiet environment 

☑️ Tension-type headache: 
▪️ Bilateral pain, which may radiate around the head from the forehead – temples – occiput – neck 
▪️ Pressing or tightening sensation, non-pulsating, mild to moderate intensity 
▪️ Not aggravated by physical activity or exertion 
▪️ No associated nausea or vomiting 

☑️ Cluster headache: 
▪️ Severe or very severe unilateral pain around and above the eye and/or the temple 

🔸 Secondary headaches (caused by an underlying condition): 

▪️ Central nervous system infections; sinusitis; ear infections 
▪️ Dehydration; metabolic disturbances 
▪️ Head trauma; disorders of other skull structures 
▪️ Less common: neurological, vascular, or psychiatric conditions 

3️⃣ Home monitoring and management

▶️ Ensure adequate rest and sufficient sleep

▶️ Encourage adequate fluid intake and regular meals

▶️ Control screen time; reduce exposure to screens and bright light during headaches

▶️ Gently massage the head and neck if muscle tension is present

▶️ Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used as directed

🔔 KEEP A HEADACHE DIARY FOR YOUR CHILD 

Record each episode to identify triggers and help doctors with future assessments. Include: 
▪️ Time of onset and possible triggers 
▪️ Duration of the headache 
▪️ Location of pain 
▪️ Pain intensity (scale 1–10) 
▪️ What helps relieve the pain 
▪️ Bedtime the night before 
▪️ Any associated symptoms and impact on school or daily activities 

4️⃣ When should a child be taken to see a doctor immediately? (Warning signs) 

▪️ Sudden, severe headache 
▪️ Headache that progressively worsens 
▪️ Headaches occurring more than once per week 
▪️ Headache that wakes the child from sleep or occurs early in the morning 
▪️ Accompanied by high fever, repeated vomiting, or visual disturbances 
▪️ Lethargy or behavioral changes 
▪️ Weakness in the limbs or difficulty speaking 
▪️ Headache in children under 4 years of age 
▪️ Recent history of head injury 

📣 Expert advice: 

▪️ Headaches in children are common and are usually not serious. 
▪️ Proper home care can help relieve mild headache episodes. 
▪️ Keeping a headache diary and identifying early warning signs support better management. 
▪️ When in doubt or concerned, consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.