Headaches are a common problem for children. Tension headaches can be caused or "triggered" by physical or emotional stress. Other triggers include feeling fatigued, skipping meals, and not getting enough sleep. Frequent use of pain medicine can also make tension headaches more frequent and severe.
Most headaches in children are not a sign of a more serious problem and will get better on their own. Home treatment may help your child feel better faster.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
Here are some steps you can take to treat your child's tension headaches at home.
Have your child rest in a quiet, dark room. Most headaches will go away within 24 hours with rest or sleep.
Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Be careful about using pain relievers too often because over time this can make your child's headaches worse.
You can give your child water. Don't give your child drinks that contain caffeine. Fluids may help the headache go away faster.
Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the cold pack and your child's skin.
Heat can help some children. Try a warm bath or shower. Or use a warm, moist towel or heating pad set on low on your child's shoulders and neck.
Gently massage your child's neck and shoulders.
Do not ignore new symptoms that occur with a headache, such as a fever, weakness or numbness, vision changes, or confusion. These may be signs of a more serious problem.
How can you help prevent headaches?
To prevent migraines and tension headaches in your child, try these tips.
Keep a headache diary.
This diary can help you find a link between your child's headaches and the things that trigger them. Help your child write down when each headache starts, how long it lasts, where it hurts, and what the pain is like. (Is it throbbing, aching, stabbing, or dull?)
Help your child avoid their headache triggers.
Triggers are things that can cause your child to have headaches. Your child may be able to prevent headaches by avoiding the triggers.
Find healthy ways to help your child manage stress.
Don't let your child's schedule get too busy or filled with stressful events.
Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids.
Avoid drinks that have caffeine. Many popular soda drinks contain caffeine.
Make sure that your child gets plenty of sleep.
Help your child keep a regular sleep schedule. Most children need to sleep about 9 to 14 hours each night, depending on their age.
Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise.
But your child should exercise without overdoing it.
Limit TV, computer, and phone screen time.
Make sure that your child doesn't skip meals.
Try to provide regular, healthy meals.
Keep your child away from smoke.
Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your home.
If your child is having problems with schoolwork, talk to your child's teachers.
Make sure that the level and amount of schoolwork is appropriate for your child.
If your doctor has prescribed a medicine to prevent headaches, have your child take it as prescribed.
Your child may need to take it even when they don't have a headache.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Your child has a very painful, sudden headache that's different from any they have had before.
Your child has a headache with sudden weakness, numbness, trouble moving parts of the body, vision problems, slurred speech, confusion, or behavior changes.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Your child has headaches after a recent fall or blow to the head.
Your child has a fever and a stiff neck.
Your child has new nausea and vomiting, or they cannot keep down food or fluids.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Your child wakes up with a headache and vomiting, and this happens more than a few times.
Light hurts your child's eyes.
Your child has a headache that does not get better within 1 or 2 days.
Your child's headaches get worse or happen more often.
Your child is often missing school, sports, or other activities because of their headaches.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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