A headache manifests as a sharp pain, throbbing sensation or a dull ache in any part of the head. The pain might occur on one or both sides of the head, be localised to a specific point or spread across the entire head.
Headaches can arise suddenly or develop gradually and may last from under an hour to several days.Headaches in children and adolescents may stem from a primary headache syndrome or secondary to underlying medical conditions.
Common primary causes include tension-type headaches, migraines, cluster headaches and chronic daily headaches
Secondary headaches may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention. These often relate to a viral infection with fever but can stem from rare causes such as:
Parents should look out for signs and symptoms suggestive of secondary causes of headaches. These include:
Any headache which is getting more frequent or severe will warrant medical attention.
Diagnosis typically follows a detailed history assessment and physical examination. If deemed clinically necessary, the doctor may order neuroimaging tests, such as computerised tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonancei (MRI).
Treatment principles for primary headaches involves using analgesics as needed and minimising triggers such as psychological stress, sleep deprivation and prolonged screen time.
Analgesics, or painkillers, such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered for acute severe headaches (tension-type headaches and migraines). However, to avoid the risk of medication-overuse headaches, restrict their use to no more than twice per week.
Prophylactic therapy, a preventive treatment, is advised when migraines are frequent or severely impact on your child's life. A doctor will discuss the potential benefits and side effects of these medications before commencing treatment.
Treating chronic headaches requires a holistic, multi-month approach aiming at restoring normal activities of the child, including
Treatment for secondary headaches depends on the underlying cause.
Seek immediate medical attention at the Children's Emergency immediately if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms: