Apr
When should you take a child to the doctor for headaches?
Headaches in children occur regularly and are usually harmless, but parents should know when professional help is needed. Seek immediate medical attention for fever with headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, or sudden severe pain. For recurring headaches that affect daily life, a visit to the GP is advisable. This guide answers the most important questions about headaches in children.
What are the common causes of headaches in children?
Most headaches in children have harmless causes, such as dehydration, fatigue and stress. Growth spurts, hunger, too much screen time and tension headaches due to school pressure are also common. These headaches develop gradually and usually disappear with rest and proper care.
Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, often due to stress or poor posture. Children describe this as a pressing feeling around the head. Growth spurts can also cause headaches due to hormonal changes and physical adjustments.
Other common causes include:
- Insufficient fluid intake during the day
- Irregular sleep patterns or lack of sleep
- Excessive exposure to screens
- Emotional stress from school or social situations
- Low blood sugar from delayed meals
Which warning signs with headaches require immediate medical intervention?
Call a doctor immediately for headaches with fever, vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness, sudden severe pain or changes in consciousness. These symptoms may indicate serious conditions such as meningitis, brain injury or other neurological problems requiring immediate treatment.
Other warning signs that need immediate medical attention:
- Headache after a fall or blow to the head
- Sudden, very severe headache that is different from usual
- Headache with fever and neck stiffness
- Headache with nausea and persistent vomiting
- Changes in speech, vision or coordination
- Confusion or changes in behaviour
- Headache that worsens with coughing or sneezing
In babies and toddlers, watch for excessive crying, fever, vomiting and a generally unwell appearance. Young children cannot always explain headaches properly, so observe their behaviour and general condition carefully.
When should you see the GP for recurring headaches?
Visit the GP if your child has headaches more than twice a week, the headaches affect daily life or the pain increases in intensity. Professional evaluation is also important for headaches accompanied by school absence, reduced performance or behavioural changes.
Specific signs for a GP visit:
- Headaches becoming more frequent or severe
- Pain that does not respond to ordinary painkillers
- Headaches preventing school activities
- Complaints combined with persistent fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns due to headaches
- Headaches with regular nausea
Keep a headache diary with information about timing, duration, intensity and possible triggers. This helps the GP make the correct diagnosis and determine the best treatment.
How can you treat and prevent headaches in children at home?
Rest, hydration and pain relief form the basis of home treatment. Provide a dark, quiet room where your child can relax. Give plenty of water and consider paracetamol in the correct dosage. Prevention through regular sleep, healthy nutrition and stress management works best.
Effective home treatments:
- Rest in a dark, quiet room
- A cool compress on forehead or neck
- Ensuring adequate water intake
- Light massage of shoulders and neck
- Paracetamol according to age dosage
Preventive measures help prevent headaches:
- Regular bedtimes and adequate rest
- Healthy, regular meals
- Limited screen time with breaks
- Daily physical exercise
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
- Adequate water intake throughout the day
How does Ruggensteun help with headaches in children?
Chiropractic care can treat headaches in children by reducing neck tension and improving spinal alignment. We focus on optimising nerve communication between brain and body, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
Our specialised approach for children includes:
- Gentle, child-friendly treatment techniques
- Correction of neck tension and shoulder stiffness
- Improvement of posture and spinal alignment
- Optimisation of nervous system function
- Guidance on preventive measures
At Ruggensteun we have specialists with specific expertise in treating babies, children and neurological problems. We offer a holistic approach, where we not only treat symptoms, but also address underlying causes for long-term relief.
Would you like to know more about how we treat headaches in children? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation about the possibilities. You can make an appointment directly without a GP referral. More information can be found on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can children develop migraines?
Children can develop migraines from 2-3 years old, although it occurs more frequently from school age. In young children, migraines often manifest differently than in adults, for example as stomach pain, nausea or irritability instead of headache. It is important to recognise patterns and keep a headache diary.
How long may you give paracetamol before you must see the doctor?
Do not give paracetamol for longer than 3 consecutive days without medical advice. If headache persists or returns after this period, contact the GP. Excessive use of painkillers can actually cause headaches (medication overuse headache).
Can foods cause headaches in children?
Yes, certain foods can trigger headaches in sensitive children. Common triggers are chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, artificial sweeteners and MSG. Keep a food and headache diary to discover possible connections and avoid suspected foods.
Is it normal for headaches in children to occur more frequently during puberty?
Yes, this is completely normal due to hormonal changes during puberty. Especially girls experience headaches more frequently around menstruation. Stress from school pressure, changing sleep patterns and social pressure can worsen this. Good sleep hygiene and stress management are extra important during this period.
When is an MRI scan needed for headaches in children?
An MRI scan is considered for neurological symptoms such as paralysis, speech problems, personality changes, or headaches that suddenly become very different. Also for headaches after head injury or when standard treatments do not help, additional investigation may be needed. The GP or specialist determines this.
Do relaxation techniques really help against headaches in children?
Yes, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness can be very effective. These techniques help reduce stress and relieve muscle tension. Start with simple exercises of 5-10 minutes and practice regularly, not only during headaches.
What is the difference between tension headaches and migraines in children?
Tension headaches feel like a pressing band around the head and are often caused by stress or tension. Migraines are usually more severe, throbbing, often on one side, and accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can also cause visual disturbances (aura) before the headache begins.
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