If headaches disrupt your child, adolescent or teen’s life, see a University Children’s Health pediatric neurologist to help minimize the pain and frequency and rule out problems that could cause the headaches. Treatment can bring back their enjoyment of everyday life at home and school.
Kids & Headaches
Many children experience headaches, and some have migraines. All headaches can affect your child’s mood, activity level and school performance. Younger children often do not know they have headaches; they just feel pain.
As a parent, the more you know about headache triggers and symptoms, the easier it will be to identify and prevent them.
What’s a Migraine?
By age 10, up to 5% of children have experienced a migraine headache. Migraines often begin as a dull ache and develop into a constant throbbing pain at the temples, front or back of the head on one or both sides. Children may experience:
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion episodes
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Vision changes
Some children have auras, a warning sign of a migraine coming, affecting vision, speech and other senses.
Migraine Causes & Triggers
Chemical reactions in the brain may be the cause of migraines. Children are at increased risk of migraines if their parents have them.
Physical and environmental factors can trigger a migraine too. Keep a headache diary to track your child’s triggers.
Common triggers are:
- Bright lights, strong odors, smoke and noise
- Caffeinated beverages or caffeine withdrawal
- Dehydration
- Food additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners
- Environmental conditions, like high altitudes and airplanes
- Hormonal changes and menstruation
- Weather conditions, such as hot, humid weather, bright sunshine or barometric pressure changes
- Lack of sleep or oversleeping
- Pain medication overuse
- Skipping meals
- Foods such as aged cheese, chocolate, citrus and packaged meats
- Stress and emotions
It's common for us to see children who’d benefit from psychological care along with migraine treatment. We’re San Antonio’s only pediatric neurologists who work closely with pediatric psychiatrists. So, it’s easier for your child to get all the needed services.
Headache Evaluation
Your child is unique and needs personalized migraine treatment that is health and age appropriate.
We’ll take a detailed health history and do a full neurological exam. Your child may need imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Some patients might also require blood work and an evaluation of intracranial pressure (how much fluids in the skull press on the brain).
Tips to Prevent Headaches
Medical treatments for headaches work best when paired with healthy lifestyle choices. Promote good overall health and avoid triggers to reduce and prevent headaches. Make sure your child takes prescription medications at the right time and as directed.