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Headache: Mom, Dad, my head hurts

As with any other medical visit, good doctors ask a lot of questions when faced with a child with a headache.

Older children, able to express themselves, can report the degree of discomfort, the severity of a headache, how long it lasts and how often they have it. Parents or other caregivers can provide answers to younger children who cannot express the symptoms of their headaches.

Asking about sleep patterns, social stressors, eating and drinking habits are an important part of getting to the bottom of why children and teens get headaches.

  • How Children Show They Have Headaches

“Mom my head hurts”. “Dad, my head hurts.” These are some of the many ways that children show they have a headache.

Many of these children quickly forget about their headaches and return to play, but may complain again within the day, the next day, or a week later. Most parents or caregivers hear such a complaint, ask routine questions, and try to offer emotional comfort or dig through the pain reliever drawer.

Out of the corner of the eye, most parents observe the child complaining of a headache. They would be looking for signs that show pain: unusual calm, not playing the game, refusing to eat, crying, and clutching the head with their hands. If they do not have a thermometer to check for fever, parents or caregivers often place the backs of their hands on the child’s forehead or cheek. A headache that occurs during a fever usually goes away when the fever does.

  • Exam

Obtaining information is one of the most important functions of a doctor to learn more about a headache. Measuring blood pressure, checking eye reflexes and focus, observing the depth of the eyeballs, and testing the relevant nerves and muscles can give the doctor a clue as to the probable cause of a headache. . Above all, obtaining detailed information about the nature of a headache is the most useful part of the exam.

Headache sufferers may have to undergo additional testing. Imaging of the brain (MRI, MRI) will look for structural abnormalities, such as tumors or aneurysms of the blood vessels in the brain.

  • Treatment for headaches

Parents can alleviate many headaches in their children by giving them pain relievers or pain relievers, such as Tylenol, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.

Children with constant, recurring, or severe headaches should see a doctor. Any headache that prevents the sufferer from sleeping requires further investigation by an experienced physician.

Some headaches do not respond to common pain relievers. Triptans are one example of a group of drugs useful in treating acute migraine attacks, for example.

Preventive medicine like Cyproheptadine (brand name Periactin) is necessary if a headache is chronic and debilitating, causing children to miss several days a month from school.

Ten tips and recommendations to combat headaches

  • Explore, address and eliminate social stressors in the family, work and school environment.

  • First, get enough sleep, eight to ten hours each night.

  • Second, remove or turn off the television, computer, and cell phone before bed.

  • Next, avoid headphones; don’t blast music on your eardrums.

  • It is also important to stay away from foods and beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soda, and to drink plenty of water.

  • Learn relaxation techniques for the head and neck.

  • Eat healthy plant-based foods. Get regular exercise.

  • Find and stay in a quiet room until the headache goes away.

  • Use a journal to document the nature of your headache. Share the journal with the doctor on your next visit.

  • Develop a positive sense of self-worth.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, but is simply based on the author’s experience. Readers should consult their physician before implementing any part of the suggestions.

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