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Headaches in Children

A headache is pain or pressure in the head, scalp or upper neck. Children may describe headaches as throbbing, squeezing, sharp or dull.

Viral illnesses, dehydration, missed meals, poor sleep, stress, migraine, vision problems and muscle tension are common causes. Head injury, sinus problems, medicines and other medical conditions can also cause headaches.

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AAP Guide to Headaches in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes, what to track, and when headaches need medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerHeadaches

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Headaches are becoming more frequent or more severe.
  • Headaches wake your child from sleep or repeatedly occur with vomiting.
  • Headaches started after a head injury.
  • Your child has vision changes, weakness, numbness, balance problems or other neurologic symptoms.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has a sudden severe headache with weakness, confusion or a seizure.
  • Your child is very difficult to wake.
  • A severe head injury caused the headache.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms