Headaches in children can occur at a young age, but children do not always know how to express themselves and say what they feel; however, parents may suspect that the child is not well when they notice that they are stopping doing activities such as playing with friends or playing soccer, for example.
If a child says he or she has a headache, parents can make sure it’s a severe headache or even a migraine asking them to make an effort, such as jumping and squeezing. ”s squatting, for example, to see if the pain gets worse, because one of the hallmarks of migraine in children is the increase in pain with effort. Know the different types of headaches.
Headaches in children can be associated with constant brain or visual stimuli, such as:
It is important to identify the cause of the child’s headache so that steps can be taken to relieve the pain and prevent it from happening again.
It is recommended to take the child to the doctor when the child says several times a day that he or she has a headache for 3 consecutive days or when other associated symptoms appear, such as vomiting, nausea or diarrhea for example. In these cases, it is important to take the child to the pediatrician so that more evaluations and tests can be done and treatment can be initiated. In some cases, it may be advisable to consult your neurologist. Learn more about constant headaches.
At the doctor’s appointment, it is important that parents provide as much information as possible about the child’s headache, indicating how many times a week the child complains of a headache, what is the intensity and type of pain, what did the child do to stop the pain and how long it took for the pain to go away Also, it is important to report if the child was taking any medications and if there is anyone in the family who frequently complains of a headache or migraine.
In addition to the information provided during the consultation, the doctor may request certain tests, such as an MRI, to determine the best treatment.
The treatment of headaches in children can be done with simple measures, so that the pain passes naturally, such as:
Other options for treating headaches in children include cognitive-behavioral therapy, guided by a psychologist, and medications, such as amitriptyline, which should only be used under the direction of the pediatrician. Discover 5 steps to relieve headaches without medication.
Here is a massage you can do on your child’s head to combat pain and discomfort: