Headache
Headache
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
Definition
Causes
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If not, see these topics
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If |
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Parent Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR HEADACHES |
Treatment for Mild Headache
Reassurance:
Headaches are very common with viral illness, especially with colds. They usually resolve in 2 or 3 days.
Unexplained headaches can occur in children, just as they do in adults. They usually pass in a few hours or last up to a day.
Most headaches (including muscle tension headaches) are helped by the following measures.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief (see Dosage table). Headaches due to fever are also helped by fever reduction.
Food: Give fruit juice or food if your child is hungry or hasn't eaten in more than 4 hours (Reason: Skipping a meal can cause a headache in many children).
Rest: Lie down in a quiet place and relax until feeling better.
Local Cold: Apply a cold wet washcloth or cold pack to the forehead for 20 minutes.
Stretching: Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles.
Call Your Doctor If:
Headache becomes severe
Vomiting occurs
Isolated headache lasts over 24 hours
Headache lasts over 3 days
Your child becomes worse
Extra Advice - Muscle Tension Headache Prevention:
If something is bothering your child, help him talk about it and get it off his mind.
Teach your child to take breaks from activities that require sustained concentration. Encourage your child to do relaxation exercises during the breaks.
Teach your child the importance of getting adequate sleep.
If over-achievement causes headaches, help your child find more balance.
Caution: Your child should have a complete medical checkup before you conclude that recurrent headaches are due to worrying too much or stress.
Treatment for Migraine Headache
Reassurance: This headache is similar to previous migraine headaches that your child has experienced.
Migraine Medication:
If your child's doctor has prescribed a specific medication for migraine, give it as directed as soon as the migraine starts.
If not, ibuprofen is the best over-the-counter drug for migraine. Give ibuprofen now and repeat in 6 hours if needed (See Dosage Table).
Sleep: Have your child lie down in a dark, quiet place and try to fall asleep. People with migraine often awaken from sleep with their migraine gone.
Prevention of Migraine Attacks:
Stay well hydrated.
Don't skip meals.
Get adequate sleep each night.
Call Your Doctor If:
Headache becomes much worse than usual
Headache lasts longer than usual
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
February 21, 2012