Headaches In Toddlers: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Methods

Just like adults babies and children too have frequent headaches and it’s common. So if you are worried about your child’s headache there is nothing much to worry about, but you need to find out what is causing the headache and what kind of headache it is. If it is caused by something like a stuffy or blocked nose then it can be treated at home with some home remedies or by using a natural vapour patch. 

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However, if the headache is severe and tends to last longer or is recurring then it is advisable to see a doctor to find out the cause and get it treated. Headaches in toddlers can be of many different kinds and caused by different reasons. Read on to know all about why headaches in toddlers occur, the symptoms and the treatment.

What Does Headaches In Toddlers Mean?

Headaches in toddlers are usually a pain in your child’s head or face and these headaches are divided into four categories:

• Migraines: It is the most common type of headache in toddlers and is sometimes accompanied by vomiting and nausea. A child with migraine may be sensitive to noise and light as well.
• Tension headache: If your toddler’s headaches last for more than 15 days every month, then your toddler is probably suffering from chronic tension headaches and if it happens frequently or daily then it could be a daily tension headache. If the headache lasts less than 10-15 days then it is known as an episodic headache.
• Inflammatory headache: This is caused by an illness, internal injury, or in some cases a brain disorder.
• These headaches may be due to an illness or brain disorder your child has. There could possibly be a brain tumour or bleeding in their brain.

What Are The Causes Of Headache In Toddlers?

Some of the common causes of headaches in toddlers are:

• Sinus infection
• Fever
• Flu
• Ear infection
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Head injury/haemorrhage
• Meningitis
• Tumour
• Lack of sleep
• Allergy caused by specific foods
• Caffeinated drinks 

What Are The Symptoms Of Headaches In Toddlers? 

As mentioned above the symptoms of headaches in toddlers can vary depending on the type and cause of headaches. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Pale skin
• Acute pain in the head, face or neck
• Upset tummy
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Weakness
• Problem balancing 
• Nausea and vomiting

How Can Headaches In Toddlers Be Prevented?

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent your toddler’s headache. 

• Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Kids need at least eight hours of undisturbed sleep
• Keep your child well hydrated
• If your child is anxious or stressed play some soothing music
• Teach your child to meditate
• Keep stress triggers at bay
• Avoid giving your child caffeinated drinks

What Are The Treatments For Headaches In Kids?

If your toddler’s headache is chronic then your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the pain. Your doctor may also ask you to see any one of the following as per the symptoms:

• Ophthalmologist
• ENT 
• Headache specialist
• Psychologist or psychiatrist 
• Gastroenterologist 

Headaches in toddlers are common but they can be painful, so if your child has been suffering from headaches it’s best to consult your doctor and rule out the possible causes while also making some lifestyle changes. Don’t forget to hug, and cuddle your toddler as that’s the most tried and tested way of comforting them when they are in pain.

Cover image source: freepik