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Shine Magazine

Headache

Symptom definition:

Pain or discomfort of the scalp or forehead areas.
The face and ears are excluded.

Causes:

Most headaches are part of a viral illness, especially with colds.

Most brief headaches are due to excessive heat, sunlight, exertion or hunger.

The most common cause of recurrent headaches are muscle tension headaches.

See other topics if:

Followed a head injury within last three days, see head injury.
Pain is around the eye or the cheekbone, see sinus pain and congestion.

Call 911 now (your child may need an ambulance) if:

Difficult to awaken.

Call your doctor now (night or day) if:

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Confused thinking (delirium) or slurred speech.
Blurred or double vision.
Weakness of arm or leg or unsteady walking.
Stiff neck (can't touch chin to chest).
Severe headache
Vomiting.

Call your doctor within 24 hours (during regular office hours) if:

You think your child needs to be seen.
Fever.
Sinus pain or pressure of forehead.

Call your doctor during weekday office hours if:

You have other questions or concerns.
Sore throat present for more than 24 hours.
Headache present for more than 3 days.
Headaches are a recurrent, ongoing problem.

Parent care at home if:

Mild headache and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Home care advice for mild headache:

1. Pain medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®) for pain relief. Headaches due to fever are also helped by fever reduction.

2. Food: Give fruit juice or food if your child is hungry or hasn't eaten in more than four hours. Reason: skipping a meal can cause a headache in many children.

3. Rest: Lie down in a quiet place and relax until feeling better.

4. Local cold: Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack to the forehead for 20 minutes.

5. Stretching: Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles.

Call Your Doctor If:

Headache lasts for more than 3 days despite using a pain medicine.
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.