6 Causes of Headaches in Children

Read Also

Just like adults, children can also experience headaches. Symptoms of headache is often overlooked by parents because the child (especially at an early age) has not been able to express his complaints. For example, they respond to pain by crying constantly. Parents will probably understand it as fussy, when in fact it is a headache.

Launched Mayo Clinic in the United States, children can experience the type of headache as experienced by adults but the symptoms can be different. There are various types of headaches that can occur to children, ranging from migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and chronic headaches.

What are the causes of headaches in children? These include:

1. Certain diseases or infections

Flu, ear infections, or sinus infections are the most common cause of headaches in children. Other more severe infections such as meningitis or encephalitis in the brain can also cause headaches, but usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or neck stiffness.

2. Head injury

Children, especially toddlers, are prone to head injuries. Although most head injuries experienced by children are mild, but if the child's head hit hard, should consult a doctor immediately. Head injuries can usually provide headache complaints.

3. Emotional factors

Stress and anxiety, such as problems at school, problems with teachers, problems with parents, can cause headache complaints. Even a depressed child may experience headaches.

4. Genetic factors

Headaches especially migraine can be passed on to the child. So, if you or your partner have a migraine, the Little can also experience the same thing.

5. Certain foods or drinks

Nitrates, food preservatives commonly found in processed meats, such as sausages, can trigger headaches in children. In addition, food flavors such as MSG can also cause headache complaints. High caffeine such as soda, chocolate, coffee, and tea can also cause headaches in children.

6. Problems in the brain

Brain tumors, brain abscesses, and bleeding in the brain can suppress certain areas of the brain and cause chronic and severe headaches. Usually if there is a disorder in the brain, it can lead to other complaints such as blurred vision or impaired coordination.

Some headaches that occur are not dangerous and can be overcome easily. However, if the child's headache gets worse and accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a sign of a more serious health disorder.

You should see your doctor immediately if the child's headache is followed by visual impairment, vomiting, or muscle weakness. Later the doctor will check and ask some questions about the headache, such as the type of headache, how often the child has headaches, and so on.

To prevent headaches, invite your child to always apply a healthy lifestyle. Adequate sleep, active exercise, a healthy diet, and avoid caffeine are things to watch out for. Stress can also be a headache trigger, so it's important to see if the child is under pressure.

Do not forget also to remember and avoid the trigger factor headaches in children. For example, a particular food or drink. Remember, if the headache gets worse and accompanied by other complaints, consult your doctor immediately to be diagnosed and get the right treatment.

How do you think about the article 6 Causes of Headaches in Children. Write your opinion in the comment field.