Childhood Headaches & Fever: Causes, Symptoms & When to Worry

Headaches and fevers are very common in children of any age. Despite the fact that they cause great discomfort in children, often times the underlying cause is not serious. However, when a child complains of having a headache and fever, it is important to determine the underlying cause. (See Reference 1)

Effects

• Children with a headache and fever may also experience nausea, vomiting, a sore throat and congestion. (See Reference 1)

Causes

• Cause of headaches and fever in children include influenza, colds and upper respiratory infections. (See Reference 1)

Identification

• To identify what is causing headaches and fever in a child, a doctor will perform a physical examination and take a medical history. They will also order blood work, a urinalysis and in some cases, a chest x-ray. (See Reference 2)

Treatments

• Treatments of headaches and fever in children are medication, plenty of fluids and rest. (See Reference 3)

Warning

• If a child complains of having a stiff neck along with a headache and fever, contact a doctor immediately since it could be a sign of a serious medical condition such as meningitis. (See Reference 3)