Headaches

A headache is a pain that you feel in any part of the head. There are many different types and causes of headaches in children. Headaches are especially common in teenagers.

The most common types are tension and migraine headaches. These are known as primary headaches. Sometimes headaches may be caused by dental, eye or ear problems, infections, medicine side effects or dehydration. A child will rarely have other symptoms with a headache that cause a doctor to be concerned about the brain or want to run tests. Your doctor will tell you if this is needed for your child.

Most headaches are not serious and can be easily treated with paracetamol (Panadol or Dymadon) and/or ibuprofen (Nurofen). Follow the instructions on the bottle or package for the correct dosage. Do not give your child more than what is recommended for the day.

Migraines

A migraine is a headache that is more severe and happens many times. Migraines can affect one or both sides of the head and may get worse if your child doesn’t rest.

Migraines often start in childhood or adolescence and may decrease with age or continue through to adulthood. Children with a family history of migraines are more likely to get them.

Migraine triggers

A trigger is something that brings on a migraine. Common triggers for migraines in children include:

  • dehydration
  • missing meals
  • illness
  • not enough sleep
  • bright lights such as computer screens, fluorescent lights and sunlight
  • foods such as chocolate, cheese, caffeinated drinks, additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame (an artificial sweetener), and fatty or salty foods.

Signs and symptoms

A child with a migraine will have a headache and at least 1 of the following symptoms:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • sensitivity to noise (phonophobia).

Some children may experience an ‘aura’ before the migraine starts. This could be a flash of light, blurred vision or blind spots, a smell or tingling in the hands or face that starts a few seconds to an hour before the headache.

Treating a migraine

Give your child paracetamol (Panadol or Dymadon) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) as soon as the symptoms start. If your child gets an aura before the migraine, give the medications when the aura starts. Follow the instructions on the bottle or package for the correct dosage. Medications containing opioids like codeine (e.g. Painstop or Panadeine) should not be used. They may make the migraine last longer or happen more often.

Sometimes children may need extra medicine through their arm (intravenous drip) or sprayed into their nose in hospital.

Resting in a quiet dark room may reduce symptoms. Migraines often settle with sleep.

Preventing migraines

The following tips may help prevent migraines:

  • drinking lots of water
  • eating regular meals
  • good sleeping patterns
  • less time on computer screens
  • managing stress
  • avoiding caffeinated soft drinks.

Talk to your doctor about avoiding food that may cause migraines for your child.

When to seek help

See your GP if your child's headaches are:

  • getting more severe
  • happening often and disturbing your child's sleep or school attendance, make sure to jot down your child's symptoms to show to your GP.

Take your child to the emergency department if they have a headache and any of the following symptoms:

  • fever
  • stiff neck
  • rash
  • throwing up lots
  • problems walking or talking
  • a droop in their face
  • weakness anywhere in their body
  • it's difficult to wake them up
  • problems with their vision
  • a headache that does not improve with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

In an emergency, or if your child has a convulsion call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

If you're not sure whether to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.

For more information

Developed by the Emergency Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS172. Reviewed: July 2022.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.

Last updated: October 2023