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Though headaches would appear to be more of a problem for adults, it is actually quite common for headaches in children to occur. According to the National Headache Foundation, most children have experienced at least one headache by the time they reach high school age. These fall into two basic categories:
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Primary headaches - The headache is the only symptom and, when treated, will stop. Primary headaches include tension and migraine headaches
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Secondary headaches - The headache is caused by another condition and doesn't usually go away until the condition is treated. Conditions that can cause headaches as one of their symptoms include dehydration, sleep deprivation, infections, head injury, meningitis, brain aneurysm and tumor
Your pediatrician can determine whether headaches in children are primary or secondary. The doctor will talk to both you and your child to determine whether the headache has an emotional component; the doctor may also perform a neurological exam.
For headaches in children who have recently experienced a blow to the head or who have a history of head trauma, seek immediate medical attention. This is especially true if the headache is steadily getting worse.
To learn more about headaches in children or to discuss your child's health, schedule a consultation with the Mercy Neurological Institute.
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