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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffChildren get the same types of headaches that adults do, although their symptoms may be different. For example, a migraine in an adult almost always affects just one side of the head, whereas a child's migraine often affects both sides of the head. In addition, headache symptoms in children don't always meet the full criteria for a specific type of headache. As a result, it may be difficult to pinpoint a specific type of headache in a child, especially in a younger child who isn't able to adequately describe his or her symptoms. As a child grows into adolescence and adulthood, headache symptoms may evolve, as well.
In general, though, certain symptoms tend to fall more frequently under certain categories.
Migraine
Migraines can cause:
- Head pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
Even infants can have migraines. A child who's too young to tell you what's wrong may cry and hold his or her head to indicate severe pain. Migraines in children may last an hour or more.
Tension-type headache
Tension-type headaches are typically characterized by the following features:
- A pressing tightness that occurs on both sides of the head
- Pain that's usually more dull than throbbing
- Pain that's not worsened by physical activity
- Headache that's not accompanied by nausea or vomiting, as is often the case with migraine
Telltale signs in younger children may include withdrawal from regular play and a desire to sleep more. Tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days.
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are uncommon in children under 10 years of age. They usually:
- Occur in groups of five or more episodes, ranging in frequency from one headache every other day up to eight a day
- Involve a sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head that lasts from 15 minutes to three hours
- Are accompanied by teariness, congestion, runny nose, or a heightened sense of restlessness or agitation
Chronic daily headache
Both migraines and tension-type headaches can increase in frequency. If your child has headaches more than 15 days a month for more than three months, doctors call this "chronic daily headache." Sometimes, an infection or minor head injury precipitates a continuous, persistent headache. This problem can also occur when your child takes pain medications — even the nonprescription variety — too frequently.
When to see a doctor
Most headaches aren't serious, but seek prompt medical care if your child's headaches:
- Occur at least once a week
- Follow an injury, such as a blow to the head
- Feature persistent vomiting or visual changes
- Are accompanied by fever, along with neck pain or stiffness
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