Picture this: a topic usually associated with grown-ups, headaches. We’ve all been there, right? The pounding, the pressure, the downright annoyance. But here’s something that might surprise you: headaches aren’t just for adults. It might seem unexpected, but headaches in children are more prevalent than one might think!
There is no hard and fast rule about when headaches might make their appearance.
So, what exactly qualifies as old enough for a child to start experiencing those awful head pains? The answer is not all too clear. In truth, virtually every person could begin to experience headaches but an infant has no clue or way to tell an adult what is going on. Toddlers and kids alike have these headaches, but they can’t exactly express to us what is happening. As a person and child ages and grows the child will begin to realize they are in a lot of discomfort. Children really start to complain of different types of body pain (all of which are childhood headaches) around the age of 5 or 6.
Is it indicative of underlying illness?
Headaches in kids are not always an indication of something serious. Sure, some children might get headaches because of underlying illnesses, but plenty of others experience them for totally normal reasons. Headaches in children can come from all sorts of things. Maybe they didn’t drink enough water, or they’ve been staring at screens too long stress from school, lack of sleep, or even skipping meals can also trigger a headache in a little one.
However, it’s essential to pay attention to the location, severity, and accompanying symptoms of headaches in children, especially if they seem unusual or persist over time. Noticing these patterns can help get timely medical attention if it is something severe.
Certain dietary factors can also surprisingly contribute to headaches in children. These include consuming foods or beverages with caffeine, excessive sweets such as chocolate or cola, which can trigger headaches, particularly when consumed in large amounts. Artificial additives like MSG or nitrates found in processed foods may also be potential triggers. For children with food sensitivities or allergies, allergens like dairy, gluten, nuts, or certain additives can provoke headaches. Additionally, irregular eating patterns, dehydration due to inadequate fluid intake, and tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses or processed meats can contribute to headaches. Monitoring your child’s dietary habits and keeping a food diary may help identify potential triggers.
When it comes to headaches caused by underlying illnesses in children, there are a few key symptoms to watch out for:
l Migraines: These can cause intense throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. Children experiencing migraines might also have sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. They might describe seeing flashing lights or experiencing visual disturbances, known as aura, before the headache sets in.
l Tension headaches: These headaches often feel like a dull ache or pressure around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. Kids with tension headaches might also feel tightness or tenderness in their neck and shoulder muscles. Stress, poor posture, or lack of sleep can trigger tension headaches in children.
l Sinus headaches: When the sinuses become inflamed or infected, it can lead to a sinus headache. Children with sinus headaches often experience pain and pressure in their forehead, cheeks, or the bridge of their nose. They might also have a stuffy or runny nose, cough, facial tenderness, and fever.
l Cluster headaches: These are less common in children but can still occur. Cluster headaches cause excruciating pain, usually around one eye or temple, often described as sharp or piercing. Children might also experience redness or watering of the eye on the affected side, stuffy or runny nose, and agitation or restlessness.
l Brain tumours or intracranial pressure: In rare cases, headaches in children can be a sign of a more serious condition like a brain tumour or increased pressure inside the skull. Headaches caused by these conditions might be severe and persistent, often accompanied by vomiting, changes in vision, balance problems, weakness, or seizures. The location of the pain can vary depending on the location of the tumor or pressure, but it might be generalised or focused in one area.
Finding the balance between when to rush to the emergency room and when to treat headaches at home in children is essential. The general rule is this: mild headaches that respond to rest, hydration, or an over-the-counter pain reliever after a few hours can be managed at home. However, if the headache lasts >24-48 hours or if your child’s headache is unusual or severe, there are symptoms like vomiting, increased sleepiness, and confusion, changes in vision, or weakness in muscles, or upper or lower limbs or problems walking, then you should not hesitate to rush to the emergency to check, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by a headache.
In general, if your child often has headaches, more severe headaches, or if headaches follow unusual patterns, talk to your paediatrician about these symptoms and ask whether an evaluation or testing for headaches could be helpful. In the meantime, at home, after a headache, you can make sure that your child rests in a dimly lit environment, that they are well-hydrated, that they use cool compresses for 2-3 minutes, and that they have a massage of tense muscles and, if of appropriate age, over-the-counter pain relief for their weight and age. Every child is different, and what works for one may sometimes not work for another. If you’re ever unsure or concerned about your child’s headaches, always best to get a medical opinion.
(The author, Dr. Srinivasa Murthy C L, is a Lead Paediatrics, Consultant – Paediatrics and Neonatology, at Aster Women and Children Hospital.)
