12/28/2025
🧠 Headaches in Children — What Parents Should Know
Headaches are common in kids, and most are not caused by serious illness. Knowing the type of headache and possible triggers can help you decide when to treat at home — and when to seek care.
👉 Primary Headaches
• Migraine: throbbing pain, light sensitivity, nausea, may prefer a dark room
• Tension: dull “band-like” pressure, often related to stress or fatigue
• Cluster (rare in children): severe pain around one eye, comes in cycles
• Mixed: features of both migraine and tension headaches
👉 Secondary Headaches may be caused by:
Infection • Injury or concussion • Dehydration • High blood pressure • Allergies or sinus congestion
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🚨 Red Flags — Seek Medical Care If a Headache:
• Wakes your child from sleep or is worst in the morning
• Happens after a head injury
• Comes with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or rash
• Includes vomiting, vision changes, or trouble walking
• Becomes more frequent or severe over time
• Is the first sudden, severe “worst headache ever”
Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, get your child evaluated.
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📝 Headache Diary & Triggers
Keeping a simple diary can help identify patterns. Track:
sleep, hydration, meals, activities, screen time, stress, and foods.
Common triggers: skipped meals, dehydration, poor sleep, illness, stress, bright lights, strong smells, certain foods, or excessive screen time.
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💡 Treatment & Prevention
• Rest in a quiet, dark room
• Encourage hydration
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed (avoid frequent use)
• Regular sleep, healthy meals, exercise, stress management
• Your provider may recommend migraine-specific treatment if needed
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If your child has frequent or severe headaches, schedule a visit — we’re here to help find the cause and create a treatment plan. ❤️
All Kids Pediatrics — Dr. Mia Ben, M.D., FAAP
Caring for kids, every step of the way.
