HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Headaches & migraines in children
Ngā ānini upoko ki ngā tamariki
A headache is pain in the head or neck area.
Headaches and migraines are quite common in tamariki (children) and usually do not have a serious cause. But they can be distressing for tamariki and worrying for their parents.
Symptoms of headaches and migraines in children
Tension type headaches are the most common type of headache. They can feel like a dull heavy ache or a pressing tightness affecting both sides of the head. The pain is sometimes described as “band-like”. Tension type headaches can last from a few hours to days.
Migraines can feel more severe than headaches. With a migraine, the pain is usually on one side and throbbing. Migraines can be made worse by movement. They can make your tamaiti (child) feel sick or vomit, be sensitive to light and feel weak.
Some tamariki have a warning sign (aura) before a migraine. The commonest type of aura is a change in vision such as seeing lights or lines.
It is important to remember that it may be difficult for tamariki to describe their symptoms.
Causes of headaches and migraines in children
Headaches can be caused by many things. These include not getting enough sleep and being stressed or anxious. Viral infections such as a cold or sinusitis are possible causes. As are dehydration and eye problems such as straining to read.
Very occasionally, they can be part of a more serious illness such as bleeding inside the skull or a tumour.
Preventing headaches and migraines in children
If you know what triggers your child's headaches, you can try to avoid them.
- Poor sleep – See Sleep advice for children. Limiting screen time is also important as it may help improve sleep.
- Stress or anxiety – See Helping your child with anxiety.
- Not drinking enough – See How to get enough to drink.
- Eye problems – See Eye examinations for children.
Helping your child with headache and migraines
You can care for most headaches at home or school.
Headaches usually respond well to simple pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Use as directed on the packaging. If you are not sure what the correct dose is, check with your general practice team or pharmacist.
Other simple things that can help include:
- encouraging your tamaiti to relax and breathe deeply
- lying them down in a cool, dark, quiet room
- placing a cool cloth across their eyes or forehead
- massaging or stretching their head and neck muscles.
Older tamariki may find relaxation exercises and meditation helpful.
Getting help with headaches and migraines
If you are worried about your child's headaches or migraines, make an appointment with your general practice team.
It is important to get urgent medical help if your tamaiti has any of the following symptoms:
- a severe headache out of the blue
- confusion or slurred speech
- feeling sick, a stiff neck, rash, fever, shakes or sensitivity to light (these are warning signs of meningitis)
- a severe headache when coughing, sneezing, going to the toilet or exercising
- a headache that wakes them up in the night
- a headache that suddenly gets worse
- sudden, regular headaches.
If your tamaiti has frequent headaches, you can keep a headache log. Record the type, duration and frequency and if they needed pain relief.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- KidsHealth
- Headaches in children & young people
Information about headaches in tamariki and what to do.
- Migraines in children & young people
Information about migraines, including managing them and avoiding triggers.
- Headaches in children & young people
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIHMK-35684
