Resolving headaches requires some digging, patience, and oftentimes trial and error
Patients reporting pain is a daily occurrence for any pediatrician, but hearing kids complain about headaches always makes me cringe. As a headache sufferer myself, I sympathize with their discomfort and wish there was an easy one-size-fits-all solution. Unfortunately, resolving headaches requires some digging, patience, and oftentimes trial and error.
To unravel the mystery of headaches, we start with a detailed history. By understanding the child’s daily life, dietary habits, and sleep patterns, we gain valuable insights. I often assign patients a “headache log” to fill out for two weeks that tracks every time the headache occurs, the severity, any associated symptoms, how long it lasted, anything that helped relieve it, and any triggers that preceded it. A thorough physical examination, including a neurological assessment, is also crucial for ruling out underlying issues. In some cases, additional tests such as blood work or imaging studies might be necessary.
Common headache causes are viral illnesses (both flu and Covid are known to cause headaches), although these should resolve as the illnesses improve. More chronic causes include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, sinus infections, and vision problems.
Tension headaches: Tension headaches often result from stress, lack of sleep, or poor posture. These are often described as a feeling of “tightness” around the head, like wearing a hat that’s too small.
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