Is it normal for my child to have constant headaches?
May 4, 2024 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Uwe Jung and I am very concerned about my child. Our son, Tim, is nine years old and has been suffering from regular headaches for some time. These occur almost daily, sometimes mild, sometimes so severe that he cries and can hardly move. Tim also complains of nausea and has vomited several times. This problem is very distressing for him and we as parents are also worried.
We have tried several things to alleviate the headaches. Tim gets enough sleep regularly, we ensure he has a healthy diet and enough fluid intake. Additionally, we have completely darkened his room to eliminate possible triggers such as bright light. However, despite all our efforts, the headaches do not improve.
I am now wondering if it is normal for a child of Tim's age to suffer from headaches so frequently. Could there be serious health reasons that we have overlooked? What further measures can we take to help Tim and reduce the headaches? Are there specific tests that should be conducted to determine the cause of Tim's complaints?
I thank you in advance for your help and expertise in this matter.
Sincerely,
Uwe Jung
Dear Mr. Jung,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. I am sorry to hear that your son Tim is suffering from such severe headaches. While headaches in children are not uncommon, they should not be considered normal, especially when they occur as frequently as they do in Tim.
It is very important to find the cause of Tim's headaches in order to take appropriate measures to alleviate them. Headaches in children can have various causes, ranging from stress and fatigue to serious conditions such as migraines or tension headaches. Therefore, it is important for Tim to be thoroughly examined by a pediatrician to determine the exact cause of his symptoms.
I strongly recommend that you make an appointment with a pediatrician to have Tim examined. The doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination of Tim, and may order further tests to identify the cause of the headaches. This may include blood tests or imaging procedures such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out serious conditions.
In the meantime, you can try to support Tim during acute headaches by providing him with rest, creating a comfortable environment, and offering him a gentle massage or cool compresses for relief. It is also important for Tim to drink enough water and engage in regular physical activity to prevent tension headaches.
I understand that you are very concerned about Tim, and it is commendable that you have already tried various measures to alleviate his headaches. However, please do not hesitate to seek professional help to find the exact cause of Tim's symptoms and receive appropriate treatment options.
I wish you and Tim all the best and am here to answer any further questions or offer support.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Hirschfeld
