More Than Headaches? Take Your Child To The Pediatrician For These Symptoms

Posted on: 24 February 2021

It's not unusual for kids to have headaches every now and then. They can be caused by tiredness, stress, or hunger — much like headaches in adults. Often, you can give your child some water and a snack, have them rest for a while, and maybe give them a dose of pain reliever, and the headache will go away. But there are times when headaches are more serious and warrant a visit to the pediatrician. Here are some signs your child needs a doctor's care.

Headaches are happening more than twice a month.

Having headaches up to twice a month is within the range of what's normal, especially if you know what's causing their headaches and have been able to relieve them with pain relievers and other simple treatments. Where things get more worrisome, though, is if your child is consistently having more than two headaches a month. This could indicate a more serious underlying cause — anything from vision loss, to allergies, to a brain tumor. A pediatrician should take a look to be sure.

The headaches are accompanied by nausea and other symptoms.

When your child complains about headaches, do they tell you that their stomach is upset, or complain of abdominal discomfort? Have they vomited as a result of a headache? Maybe they also complain that they feel dizzy or tired, perhaps even after the headache passes. These are signs that your child may actually be suffering from migraines, rather than run-of-the-mill headaches. While migraines are not as common in children, they do occur, so it is important to have a pediatrician run some tests. A proper diagnosis will ensure your child is able to use the right medications and treatments to properly ward off migraines and treat them when they do occur.

Your child is struggling to see clearly.

Ask your child if they have been having trouble seeing the board at school. Pay attention when they watch TV; do they sit close to the screen? If you notice these or other signs that your child is struggling to see, then the headaches may be connected to that. Visual difficulties could be causing the headaches, or there could be a root cause, like a brain tumor, that is causing both problems. Start by calling the pediatrician. They can run some basic vision tests and refer your child to an eye doctor if needed.

Usually, a headache is just a headache. But when it seems to be something more, your child needs the proper care. For more information, contact a pediatrician.

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