Headaches in Children

Many people develop headaches in childhood. According to the American Headache Society, 20 percent of adults say that their headaches started before age10. The good news is that, in most cases, headaches in children pose no danger.

• Children get headaches, too.

Types

• Physicians divide children's headaches, as well as adults' headaches, into two types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches include migraines and tension headaches.

Tension Headaches

• Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, feel like tight pressure around the head without nausea. These headaches occur around stress-related events.

Migraines

• Migraine symptoms for children include throbbing pain on both sides of the head, nausea and stomach pain.

Secondary Headaches

• Secondary headaches refer to headaches caused by another condition. Common culprits include infections and medication side effects.

Treatment

• The Mayo Clinic suggests giving your child an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Treat your child's headache at the first sign.

Warning

• Avoid giving children and teenagers aspirin, as aspirin may contribute to the development of a rare but potentially fatal disease called Reye's syndrome.