Headaches in Children and Adolescents
Headaches in children and adolescents are often caused by tense muscles, dilated blood vessels, damage to the nervous system and inflammation of structures in the brain.
Migraine can start early in childhood. It is estimated that about 20 percent of adolescents experience migraine headaches. The average age of onset is 7 years for boys and 10 years for girls. There is usually a family history of migraine. While each child may experience different complaints, the following are the most common complaints of childhood migraine:
Pain on one or both sides of the head (some young children may complain of pain all over)
The pain may be throbbing or shooting (although young children may not be able to describe their pain)
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea and/or vomiting
Abdominal pain
The child may become quiet or pale, stop playing
Some children have sensations that precede a migraine, such as flashing lights, changes in vision or smells.