Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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DESCRIPTION

Your child complains that his head hurts.

SIMILAR CONDITION

If head trauma is suspected, see Head Trauma.

CAUSES

A mild acute headache often occurs as part of a cold or other viral illness. A high fever often causes a headache. Many children get a headache in the late afternoon when they are hungry.

In children and adults the most common cause of recurrent headaches is tension. Tension headaches give a sensation of tightness that completely encircles the head. The neck muscles also become sore and tight. Tension headaches can be caused by prolonged use of video games, computers, or typewriters. Many children get tension headaches as a reaction to stresses (such as pressure for better grades or unresolved disagreements with their parents). Recurrent headaches can have numerous causes and deserve a medical evaluation.

EXPECTED COURSE

Many headaches caused by illness go away when the fever comes down. Others come and go during the illness. Tension headaches usually last from a few hours to a day and tend to recur.

HOME CARE

1. Acute headaches (recent onset)
   • Your child should lie down and rest until he is feeling better.
   • If your child is hungry, offer fruit juice or some food.
   • Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen as soon as the headache begins.
   • Put a cool washcloth on your child's forehead.

2. Tension headaches

   If your child has been evaluated by a physician and has tension headaches, try the following to help ease the pain:

   • When a headache occurs, your youngster should lie down and relax. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as soon as the headache begins. The medication is more effective if it is started early.
   • If something is bothering your child, help him talk about it and get it off his mind.
   • Teach your child not to skip meals if doing so brings on headaches.
   • Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles.
   • To prevent tension headaches, teach your child to take breaks from activities that require sustained concentration. Encourage your child to do relaxation exercises during the breaks.
   • If overachievement causes headaches, help your child get out of the fast track.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The pain is severe AND persists more than 2 hours after your child takes pain medicine.
• Your child has difficulty with vision, thinking, speech or walking.
• The neck is stiff.
• Your child is acting very sick.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

• Headaches are a recurrent problem for your child.
• The headache has lasted more than 24 hours even though your child has taken pain medicines.
• You have other concerns or questions.

RELATED TOPICS

Sinus Congestion

Consider this diagnosis if the pain is on one side and near the eye, the nose is runny or blocked, and your child has previously experienced sinus problems.