Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Tackling headaches

Headaches are a very common complaint in chidhood. Casually, the headache passes quickly Without the need to consult a doctor. Often a headache can signal the beginning of a childhood infectious illness, so look out for other symptoms. Occasionally, a headache can be a sign of a serious condition, such as meningitis, that requires urgent medical help. On the other hand, a headache may had its root in something as simple as a child having stayed out a little too long in the sun or not having drunk enough fluid.

Because most children often complain of having a headache, the difficulty is knowing when to worry about it and seek help, and when to assume it has a selflimiting cause and will settle down by itself. Younger children obviously may not be able to articulate that they have a headache, but their actions may suggest it, for example they may dislike hating their head moved, or be very irritable when moved at all, or they may be very sensitive to bright light or noise.

Common types and causes of headaches sudden, acute headaches

Infection: Meningitis Viral illness Ear infection Sinusitis Dental abscess Scalp infection Tonsillitis

Regular, chronic headaches

Migraine Tension Sinusitis Chronic eye problems Psychological causes Scalp infection Brain tumour (rare in childhood)

Child's headache

Remove your child from any noisy, bright or disturbing environment.
Give them the appropriate amount of paracetamol for their age. Children should not be given aspirin.

Make sure they drink plenty of clear liquids and try placing a cooled, damp flannel on their forehead to soothe the pain.

If pain persists, take theirtemperature. if it is at all raised, it is even more important to give them plenty of clear fluids.

Look all the over the body for a rash -this might signify a childhood infectious disease.

If they vomit, are drowsy, are very sensitive to light, have neck stiffness or any other worrying symptoms, or if the headache does not shift, call a doctor Immediately.

When is a headache serious?

Your child's behaviour and distress level can indicate how serious the headache is, but you should always seek medical advice in the following circumstances:
If it comes on suddenly. If it ls accompanied by vomiting, irritability. fever, drowsiness, rash and/or neck stiffness. If the headache lasts longer than 24 hours.

lf the headache is recurrent and starts early In the morning. If the headaches are becoming increasingly severe and more frequent. If the headache pain is not relieved by simple, over-the-counter painkillers. If the headache immediately follows an accident. If the headache occurs some hours after the child has suffered a bump on the head.

Menigitis

A headache can be a sign of meningitis an infection of the linings covering the brain that is caused by either a bacterium or a virus. It is very worrying for all parents, and difficult to recognize, as it may resemble other, lesser infections.

While a headache is often a principal symptom of meningitis, other signs - such as high fever, drowsiness, neck stiffness, light sensitivity and/or profuse vomiting may be more obvious. A child who has been mildly unwell and then worsens should be examined by a doctor. In bacterial meningitis, there may be a characteristic rash, but this is one of the later symptoms. (In babies with any kind meningitis, they may just be nonspecifically unwell and do not generally have neck stiffness.)