Like adults, it’s not uncommon for children to develop different types of headaches, such as stress-related headaches or migraine, but they usually aren’t serious. It’s also possible for children to have chronic daily headaches.

The cause of headaches in children is wide and varied. It can be caused by anxiety, infection, minor head trauma, or even high levels of stress. Over-the-counter pain relief medications and lifestyle changes can usually treat headaches in children, but you should still know when the symptoms are no longer normal. That’s why it is important to pay close attention to the symptoms of your child’s headache. Do not hesitate to consult with a pediatrician if the symptoms persist, get worse or occur more frequently.

Migraine Symptoms in Children

Children and adults are afflicted with the same types of headaches, but they may exhibit different symptoms. For example, migraines can last for at least four hours in adults, whereas it is less than four hours in children.

It may be more challenging to identify what type of headache a child is suffering from, especially younger children who are still unable to describe the symptoms. However, certain symptoms are more likely to fall under certain headache categories. For example, children experiencing migraine may show some of these symptoms.

  • Pounding, throbbing, or pulsating headache
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pain that gets worse with exertion
  • Extreme sensitivity to sound and light

Infants are not immune to migraines. Very young children who can’t tell you what’s wrong may cry while holding their head, indicating severe pain.

What are the Different Causes and Trigger of Migraine in Children?

Several factors may cause a child to develop a headache, which include:

  • Head trauma
  • Infection and illness
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Genetics
  • Certain foods and beverages
  • Too much sun exposure
  • Excessive physical activity
  • Loud noises
  • Change in sleep patterns

When to See a Doctor?

Most headaches in children are not serious, but do not hesitate to take your child to a doctor if any of these symptoms occur together with a headache:

  • Vomiting
  • Visual changes
  • Muscle weakness
  • Symptoms that awaken your child at night
  • A change in your child’s personality
  • Fever
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Headaches coming from the back of the head

Although headaches in children are normal and usually nothing to worry about, it’s still a good idea to keep a close eye on their symptoms. Be ready to take them to a pediatrician if things take a turn for the worse. One of the friendly and compassionate pediatricians at Pediatrix in Phoenix will be more than happy to look after and care for your child.