overview
Headaches in children are common and usually not severe. Like adults, children can develop different types of headaches, including migraines or stress (tension) headaches. Children can also have chronic headaches on a daily basis.
In some cases, headaches in children are caused by infection, high levels of stress or anxiety, or mild head trauma. It is important to be aware of your child’s headache symptoms and see a doctor if the headache worsens or occurs frequently.
Child headaches can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and healthy habits such as a regular sleeping and eating schedule. Headaches in children Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
Children have the same headaches as adults, but their symptoms may be slightly different. For example, migraine pain in adults often lasts at least four hours – but in children the pain can be much less.
The differences in symptoms can make it difficult to identify the type of headache in a child, especially a younger child who cannot describe the symptoms. In general, however, certain symptoms fall into certain categories more often.
The reasons
A number of factors can cause your child to develop a headache. The factors include:
- Disease and infection. Common illnesses like colds, flu, and ear and sinus infections are among the most common causes of headaches in children. Very rarely, meningitis or encephalitis can cause headaches.
- Head trauma. Bumps and bruises can cause headaches. Although most head injuries are minor, if your child falls severely on the head or is severely hit on the head, see a doctor quickly. Also, if your child’s headache worsens steadily after a head injury, see a doctor.
- Emotional factors. Stress and anxiety – possibly triggered by problems with peers, teachers, or parents – can play a role in children’s headaches. Children with depression can complain of headaches, especially if they have trouble recognizing feelings of sadness and loneliness.
- Genetic predisposition. Headaches, especially migraines, usually run in families.
- Certain foods and drinks. Nitrates – a food preservative found in cold cuts like bacon, bologna, and hot dogs – can cause headaches, as can the food additive MSG. Too much caffeine – found in sodas, chocolates, coffee, and tea – can also cause headaches. Headaches in children Treatment in Hyderabad
Risk factors
Any child can develop headaches, but they are more common in:
- Girls after puberty
- Children with family headaches or migraines
- Older teenagers
preventions
The following can help prevent headaches or reduce the severity of headaches in children:
- Adopt healthy behavior. Behaviors that promote good overall health can also help prevent headaches in your child. These lifestyle measures include getting enough sleep, physical activity, healthy meals and snacks, drinking four to eight glasses of water a day, and avoiding caffeine.
- Reduce stress. Stress and busy schedules can increase the frequency of headaches. Watch out for things that can be stressful in your child’s life, such as: B. Difficulty with homework or strained relationships with peers. If your child’s headache is related to anxiety or depression, you should speak to a counselor.
- Keep a headache diary. You can use a journal to identify the causes of your child’s headache. Note when the headache starts, how long it lasts, and what, if any, provides relief. Headaches in children Treatment in Hyderabad