A headache is a pain, ache or throbbing sensation in any area of the head. Headaches are common in children and teenagers
3-5% of 7-year-olds have recurrent headaches
15% of 15-year-olds have recurrent headaches
Headaches are uncomfortable and can impact a child's ability to participate in school and activities. Headaches are only very rarely associated with a serious medical condition. In the majority of children, there is no single cause for headache. There are a variety of factors which may contribute to headaches including physical/environment, psychological, and genetic factors.
Migraine: Moderate to severe throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain may be localized to the temple, eye, or back of the head. In migraine with aura, visual disturbance, sensory changes or weakness can precede the pain.
Tension Type Headache: Mild to moderate steady pain throughout the head, but commonly felt across the forehead or in the back of the head. Generally not accompanied by other symptoms.
Sinus Headache: Mild to moderate steady pain that typically occurs in the face, at the bridge of the nose, or in the cheeks. May be accompanied by nasal congestion and postnasal drip.
Chronic Migraine: As per the International Headache Society, chronic migraine is defined as headache occurring on 15 or more days per month for more than three months, which, on at least 8 days per month, has the features of migraine headache.
Over the counter medications work best when they are given within 30 minutes of the headache. These medications should be limited to no more than 10 times per month.
