Nearly every child has a headache at some point. Like in adults, an occasional headache is normal. Although headaches are typically benign, they could signal something serious. If kids have headaches frequently or the headache seems different than usual, it’s time to see a doctor.
Contact a doctor if your child’s headaches:
- Occur at least once a month
- Keep him or her out of school
- Follow an injury, such as a blow to the head
- Awaken him or her from sleep
- Feature persistent vomiting or visual changes
- Are accompanied by fever, along with neck pain or stiffness
Causes of headaches in children include a genetic predisposition (especially to migraine), head trauma, illness and infection, environmental factors, emotional factors, and certain foods and beverages. See the Mayo Clinic article in the above link for details about these causes.
Information comes from the Mayo Clinic. See Headaches in Children: Common, But Sometimes Serious to learn about causes, types of headaches, diagnosis and treatment. The National Headache Foundation also has a guide to children’s headaches, which even has a section for kids to explore.
Your child having headaches isn’t a reason to panic, but it isn’t something to ignore.