Childhood headaches: Should I be worried?

Childhood headaches can result in severe physical discomfort and have significant emotional, psychological, and social implications if they go undiagnosed and untreated. In her latest online article, leading consultant paediatrician Dr Chinwe Ude offers her expert insight into this topic.

Are chronic childhood headaches something I should be worried about?

Many individuals express concern that these headaches may have an underlying sinister cause, such as brain tumours. While brain tumours constitute a small fraction of the underlying factors for chronic childhood headaches, it is crucial to address and investigate any such worries. This should be done under the care of a paediatrician specialising in managing childhood headaches. Such an expert will be capable of alleviating anxieties while promptly and appropriately investigating and managing the symptoms.

What steps should be taken if your child is suffering from chronic headaches?

In most instances, headaches do not stem from space-occupying brain lesions. Nevertheless, they can be quite intense, both in terms of pain and the degree to which they disrupt the child's daily life.

Generally, ensuring good-quality sleep and promoting a healthy lifestyle can assist in alleviating headaches in children. It may be beneficial to identify known triggers for these headaches and take steps to avoid them. Maintaining a headache diary can be useful in recognizing these triggers.

What if lifestyle changes do not yield positive results?

Many families may encounter difficulties in adhering to recommended lifestyle adjustments. In certain cases, headache symptoms persist despite such changes. Indeed, some children may be grappling with undiagnosed sleep difficulties or disorders that contribute to their headaches.

Arranging for your child to be evaluated by a paediatrician experienced in managing headache symptoms is crucial. Such an expert will promptly and appropriately conduct investigations. They will also assist in pinpointing triggers, provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms.

If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Chinwe Ude you can do so today via her Top Doctors profile.