Headache in Children

Causes of headache

The following factors can make your child more prone to headaches:

• Head injury. Accidental bumps and bruises can cause headaches. Most head injuries are minor. But seek medical help immediately if the child has been vomiting, bleeds from the nose or ears, is drowsy, walks unsteadily, loses consciousness, has a seizure, complains of blurred vision or a steadily worsening headache after a bang on the head.
• Illness and infection. Headache is a frequent symptom of many common childhood illnesses such as the common cold, allergic rhinitis and ear and sinus infections.
• Emotions. Anxiety and stress caused by problems with parents, teachers or friends can cause headaches in many children.
• Environment. Weather changes, loud noises, odours, and bright lights can all contribute to headaches.
• Genetic predisposition. If there is a family history of bad headaches, the child will have a higher risk of getting them too. This is particularly true for migraines, which tend to run in families.
• Rare causes: brain infection and brain tumour.
  

Risk factors of headaches in children

Headaches are more common in children older than 10 years old and children who have a family history of headaches or migraines.