Summary
In this video, Dr. Richard Honaker describes the three basic types of headaches children and teenagers get.
Muscular headaches feel like squeezing, like a band around the top of the head.
Migraine headaches are less common but far more uncomfortable. Children may be bothered by light or sound, the pain may be throbbing, they may throw up, and they may feel terrible for a whole day. Often, going to sleep helps a migraine go away.
The third type is very rare: serious causes such as brain tumors. Dr. Honaker says you don’t need to worry too much about these because they’re so rare, but there are red flags to know.
The main red flag is a change in the headache pattern. If headaches that used to come at predictable times become more frequent, different, stronger or more painful, that’s something to worry about. Headaches that wake your child up in the middle of the night are also a red flag.
Key takeaways
- Children get three basic types of headaches: muscular, migraine and, rarely, serious causes.
- Muscular headaches feel like a squeezing band around the head.
- Migraines can bring sensitivity to light and sound, throbbing pain and vomiting; sleep often helps.
- Red flags: a change in the headache pattern, and headaches that wake your child at night.
Questions Dr. Honaker answers
What kinds of headaches do children get?
Muscular headaches, migraines and, very rarely, headaches from serious causes such as brain tumors.
How can I tell if it’s a migraine?
Dr. Honaker says children with a migraine may be bothered by light or sound, have throbbing pain, throw up and feel awful for a whole day.
When should I worry about my child’s headaches?
When the pattern changes (more frequent, different, stronger or more painful) or when headaches wake your child in the middle of the night.
