How to Treat Headaches in Young Children

Headaches are a common issue in young children, but they typically aren't a sign of a serious health problem. However, the pain can become severe and cause considerable stress for the child. There are various options available, ranging from home remedies to medication, to help alleviate headaches in young children.

Try over-the-counter pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain medications, which are readily available in most pharmacies, can help reduce headache symptoms in young children.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin IB) are very effective at relieving headaches and are safe for children over the age of 6. You can consult with a pediatrician or pharmacist if you want to try other over-the-counter options.
• Make sure that the over-the-counter medication you use is specifically intended for children. Adult medications can be harmful if given to children.
• Pain relievers should be given as soon as the first signs of a headache appear. Follow the dosage instructions carefully, ensuring the child receives the correct dose for their age.
• Although these medications can relieve pain, overuse can lead to rebound headaches. Therefore, the child might experience headaches again after taking the medication. The more frequently these medications are used, the less effective they will become.

Use prescription medications. If the child's headaches persist, you should consult a pediatrician for medication.

• Chronic migraines are typically treated with prescription medications. Migraines are severe, recurring headaches. Triptans are often prescribed for children over 6 years old. These medications are safe and have few side effects.
• Some chronic headaches, including migraines, are accompanied by nausea. A doctor may prescribe medication to treat the nausea as well.
• Discuss potential side effects with your doctor and provide them with full medical history for both the child and their family.

Be cautious with aspirin. Aspirin is generally safe for children over 2 years old. However, in rare cases, it may cause Reye's syndrome, so it should be avoided in children at risk of this condition. Most doctors do not recommend aspirin for young children.

• Reye's syndrome causes swelling in the liver and brain, which can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. Therefore, changing treatment methods is crucial, as Reye's syndrome can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
• If the child’s headache is due to a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox, aspirin should not be given. Treating these illnesses with aspirin increases the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
• Children with metabolic disorders involving fat oxidation are at a higher risk for Reye's syndrome. Therefore, aspirin should not be used to treat headaches in these children.

Cold compress. Applying a cold compress can help relieve a child’s headache.

• Dip a clean cloth in cold water and place it on the child’s forehead.
• Provide a relaxing activity for the child, such as listening to music or watching TV, so they remain still while the cold compress is applied.

Offer a healthy snack. Since headaches can sometimes be caused by blood sugar levels, giving the child a healthy snack when they complain of a headache may help alleviate the pain.

• Some fruits and vegetables are known to help reduce headache symptoms. You might try offering the child a snack with ingredients like spinach, watermelon, or cherries.
• Children often enjoy peanut butter, which has been shown to help reduce headache symptoms. Additionally, milk is another remedy for headaches, so you could give the child peanut butter crackers with a glass of milk.

Encourage rest and relaxation. Headaches in children are often caused by insufficient sleep or stress, so helping your child relax during a headache can reduce the pain.

• Encourage your child to sleep in a cool, dark room. Sometimes, even a short nap can alleviate headache symptoms in children.
• Relaxation techniques can help ease tense muscles, which can reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. Have your child lie down, stretch out their muscles, and gradually relax each part of their body.
• You can suggest your child take a warm bath to relieve tension.
• Ensure that your child takes breaks between activities that may trigger headaches, such as sitting in front of a computer screen or watching TV for long periods.

Track the frequency of headaches. If your child frequently experiences headaches, you should keep track of when they occur. This way, you'll have detailed notes on the symptoms to share with the doctor when seeking a diagnosis.

• Record when the headache occurs, how long it lasts, and whether the pain is consistent or varies in nature.
• There are various types of headaches, and treatment methods differ for each type. Tension headaches often occur alongside cold symptoms. Migraines are usually accompanied by symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and sensitivity to light and sound. Stress-related headaches often involve pain in the neck and shoulders. So, keep track of your child's symptoms to understand which type of headache they are experiencing.
• Young children, especially those who are unable to articulate their symptoms well, may not be able to express where they hurt. You can ask questions like, "Where does it hurt?" or "Can you show me where you feel pain?"

Understand the link between frequent headaches and mental health issues. Sometimes, children may complain of headaches or other physical ailments when they are dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Since young children often lack the vocabulary to express emotional distress, they may only complain about physical pain.

• True headaches in children are relatively easy to spot. Children who have a genuine headache often become very quiet, preferring to sit or lie down. They may fall asleep easily and avoid physically demanding activities. Light and noise can make them feel worse, and they may also experience stomach issues like nausea.
• Children who frequently complain of pain but don't show typical headache symptoms may be struggling with mental health issues. It's important to consult with a pediatrician about these concerns. The pediatrician can engage in a conversation with the child in a way they can understand and may refer to a mental health specialist if necessary.

Recognize concerning symptoms. Although headaches are not usually a sign of a serious illness, you should be cautious of certain symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if your child experiences any of the following:

• The headache is so severe that it wakes them up from sleep
• Morning vomiting, especially without other accompanying symptoms
• Changes in behavior
• The headache worsens over time and becomes more frequent
• Headaches following an injury
• Headaches with neck stiffness

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to various symptoms, including recurring headaches. To prevent headaches in children, make sure they stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Young children should drink at least 4 cups of water, each cup containing 240 ml. Their water intake may need to be higher if they engage in physical activities.
• Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners. Not only do these reduce water intake, but they also contribute to dehydration in children. Excessive sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages can even trigger headaches in young children.

Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Adequate rest is essential for children, so short naps should be part of their routine. Lack of sleep can lead to headaches in young children.

• The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age. Toddlers and preschoolers typically need 11-13 hours of sleep each night, while children between 6-13 years old should aim for 9-11 hours of sleep.
• Establish a consistent bedtime routine and make sure your child wakes up on time each day.

Feed your child on a regular schedule with a balanced diet. Hunger can sometimes trigger headaches in children. Therefore, meals should not be too far apart during the day.

• Low blood sugar and skipping meals can cause headaches. Ensure your child has breakfast before school. Sometimes, children may skip lunch or avoid certain foods. If your child refuses lunch, prepare foods they enjoy to ensure they don’t skip meals.
• Children, especially toddlers, go through phases where they refuse to eat. Set firm meal times and discourage distractions such as toys or TV during meals to help them focus on eating. If issues persist, consult a pediatrician to address any underlying health concerns.
• Provide nutritious snacks between meals like fruits, whole-grain crackers, yogurt, cheese, and vegetables.

Understand the underlying causes of headaches in young children. Common causes of headaches in young children include:

• Allergies
• Sinus infections
• Vision problems
• Throat pain or fever may indicate a strep throat infection.
• If you suspect that your child's headache is related to another health issue, take them to see a doctor for further evaluation.

• Carefully read the medication instructions and do not give your child an additional dose until the recommended time has passed.