Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Headache - Brief Version
What is a headache?
When your child has a headache he will say his head hurts.
Headaches can be caused by:
- a cold or other illness
- a high fever
- hunger or thirst
- using video games or computers too long
- stress.
How can I take care of my child?
- Have your child lie down and rest until he is feeling
better.
- If your child is hungry, offer fruit juice or some food.
- Give ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as
soon as the headache starts. No aspirin.
- Put a cold washcloth on his forehead.
- Maybe something is bothering your child. Help him talk
about it.
- Give your child a neck massage.
- Teach your child to take breaks during activities that
take a lot of concentration.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- The pain is very bad and lasts more than 2 hours after
your child takes pain medicine.
- Your child has a hard time seeing, talking, walking, or
thinking.
- Your child's neck is stiff.
- Your child acts very sick.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- Your child often has headaches.
- The headache has lasted more than 24 hours even though
your child took pain medicine.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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