Headache is one of the most annoying and common complaints of children and adolescents too. Anxiety, crankiness and not being able to sleep in children who are too young to tell you can be the symptoms of headaches. Studies have shown that prevalence increases from preschool age (3-8%) to middle-aged age (57-82 %).
Many things can cause Headaches in Children, including colds stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or problems with the eyes (e.g. straining to read). There are different types of headaches. Each type can be handled differently. Some headaches are mild enough for children to resume their daily activities. But sometimes a headache can make your child feel very sick that they may even need to rest in bed.
TYPES OF HEADACHES IN CHILDREN
CONGESTION HEADACHE Congestion headaches are the type of headache that arises with diseases of the virus (such as colds and flu) and usually cease when the illness is over. Congestion in the sinus and infections can cause headaches around the eyes and nose.
SYMPTOMS:
Cold-like symptoms, including a stuffy or runny nose and a Slight fever
TENSION HEADACHE
Tension headache is most common in kids. Stress and mental or emotional differences are often factors that cause tension-related headache pain. Conflicts with the family, school issues, and pressure from peers will contribute to tension in daily life and can be the consequence of tension headaches.
SYMPTOMS:
The sensation of tightness or pressure on your forehead or the sides of your head and back
Tenderness to the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulder
MIGRAINE
Migraines can begin early in infancy. About 20 percent of teenagers are estimated to experience migraine headaches. Migraines in children are usually shorter in duration and occur less frequently. Pain felt by children appears to be more bilateral than unilateral, such as across the forehead. If you suspect your child is experiencing migraine headaches, it is necessary to consult with both your child and your pediatrician.
SYMPTOMS:
Headbutting, throbbing pain on one side or both of the head
Dizziness
Nausea/vomiting
Seeing spots or halos
CAUSES OF HEADACHES IN CHILDREN
Your child may develop headaches from a number of factors.
Factors include:
EMOTIONAL FACTORS
Stress and anxiety can cause major headaches in kids and may be triggered by issues with peers, teachers, or parents — can play a role in headaches for children.
HEAD TRAUMA
Any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain, related to any kind of head injury can also be the reason for headaches in kids.
ILLNESS AND INFECTION
Common illnesses such as colds, pneumonia, and infections with the ear and sinus are among the most common causes of children’s headaches.
GENETIC PREDISPOSITION
Headaches, particularly migraines, be likely to run in families
PROBLEMS RELATED TO BRAIN
Rarely, a brain tumor or an abscess, or bleeding in the brain push on brain areas, causing chronic headaches to worsen. But usually, there are other symptoms in these cases, such as vision difficulties, dizziness, and loss of coordination.
PREVENTION
- If you think your child is having headaches because she’s not drinking enough fluids, particularly in hot weather, try to get her to have an extra glass of water at breakfast and to stay hydrated frequently during the day.
- Having a healthy sleeping schedule in place and avoiding beverages with caffeine, such as cola, tea, and coffee, can also help prevent your child from getting headaches.
- Maintaining daily bedtime habits of 8-10 hours of sleep a night.
- The balance between school, social, and sports events, avoiding overcrowded schedules and stressful situations.
- Avoidance of long hours watching TV or playing video games.
