Headaches in Children

“Headaches? Not on Our Watch: Championing Children’s Headache Care”

There’s nothing more heartwarming than witnessing our children joyfully thriving in optimal health. However, sometimes something as trivial as a headache can be a mighty cause of concern. While we may not be able to understand why headaches would affect our young children, there may be many causes.  It is estimated that about 10-20% of children experience recurrent headaches, with the prevalence increasing with age.

Often brushed aside as a minor issue, these pounding headaches can disrupt a child’s daily life filled with happiness and enjoyment. Most of the time, headaches in children are not a cause of concern. However, as parents, one must educate themselves and get medical attention if your children get persistent headaches.

Headaches in Children

Headaches are more common in children than one would think. Like adults, children may also get headaches, including migraine or tension-type headaches. While the cause of headaches may be different in children, they can disrupt the normal activities of a child. 

While many headaches in children are not severe and can stem from various causes like infections or stress, persistent headaches should never be overlooked.

Types of Headaches in Children:

Children can experience any of the following headaches:

1. Migraines
2. Tension-type headaches
3. Cluster headaches
4. Chronic daily headaches

Symptoms

Children can experience headaches differently depending on the type of headaches they have. The most common symptoms include the following:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
3. Headaches accompanied by teariness, congestion, runny nose, or restlessness or agitation
4. Headaches that present in clusters of five or more episodes can vary in frequency, ranging from occurring every other day to as frequent as eight headaches per day.
5. Headaches without nausea or vomiting
6. Headaches that occur more than 2 weeks
7. Mild to moderate, non-pulsating pain on both sides of the head
8. Nausea
9. Pain that’s not worsened by physical activity
10. Pain that worsens with activity
11. Pressing tightness in the muscles of the neck or head 
12. Pulsating or throbbing head pain
13.  Brief, unilateral, sharp headache lasting under three hours.
14. Vomiting

Causes

Headaches can occur in children due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes of headaches in children include the following:

1. Tension and stress
2. Migraines
3. Sinusitis
4. Eyestrain
5. Dehydration
6. Illness or infection
7. Trauma or injury
8. Medication side effects

Diagnosing Headaches in Children at Giggles Hospital

At Giggles Hospitals for Best Pediatric Hospitals in Kukatpally, we take a proactive approach when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of headaches in children. A correct diagnosis is essential to eliminate possible causes of concern and provide the right treatment for the child. To diagnose headaches in children, doctors may perform the following:

1. Physical exam
2. Medical history evaluation
3. MRI 
4. MRA
5. CT scan 
6. Eye examinations
7. Neurological exam
8. Headache diary
9. Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

Treatment for Headaches in Children at Giggles Hospital

Treatment for headaches in children will depend on the cause of the condition. Common treatments include:

• Medications
• Relaxation Techniques
• Lifestyle modifications
• Identifying triggers
• Prescription glasses
• Complementary Therapies like acupuncture, biofeedback, or cognitive-behavioural therapy. 

Why Choose Giggles Hospitals?

If your child is experiencing persistent headaches, seek expert care at Giggles Hospital for Children’s doctor near me.Our specialised team understands the unique needs of young patients and offers comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for paediatric headaches. 
Trust us to provide compassionate care, tailored treatment plans, and a commitment to restoring your child’s well-being. Contact Giggles Hospital for Children specialist hospital near me today to ensure your child’s headaches are effectively managed, allowing them to embrace a brighter, pain-free future.