There are many remedies that adults can do to make sure that they avoid headaches and to get rid of a headache when they are dealing with one. Adults have experienced many headaches throughout their life and so they often know the signs of one starting or they have different types of solutions that help with your specific headache. Many adults try ibuprofen, Tylenol, hot shower, caffeine or they might consider taking a nap. Headaches are never fun but at least adults know what is going on and have different things that they might try. Toddlers, on the other hand, don't necessarily have the vocabulary to explain their headache, nor do they know exactly what is going on. Some toddlers might be acting really grumpy and uncomfortable but they don't actually tell you what is going on. Toddlers can get headaches just like any adult and so you need to be educated on what to do to help your toddler. Here is what you need to know about toddler headaches.
Toddlers can have migraines, stress-related headaches (tension headaches), and can even suffer from chronic daily headaches just like adults. Like adults, toddlers can have headaches that are not serious but can also be related to head trauma, sickness, or high anxiety. Toddlers can get migraines like adults, but their migraines will probably not be as severe as adults and they will not last as long.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Migraines can cause:
- Pulsating, throbbing or pounding head pain
- Pain that worsens with exertion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
Tension-type headaches can cause:
- A pressing tightness in the muscles of the head or neck
- Mild to moderate, nonpulsating pain on both sides of the head
- Pain that's not worsened by physical activity
- Headache that's not accompanied by nausea or vomiting, as is often the case with migraine
It is important to figure out what the headache triggers are for your toddler. According to WebMd, " migraine triggers include stress, anxiety, depression, a change in sleep patterns, loud noises, or certain foods. Too much physical activity or too much sun can bring on a migraine in some kids, too." Record when your toddler is dealing with a headache and the circumstances that lead up to the headache. If you know the triggers of the headache then you can help to prevent them in the future.
The biggest triggers in toddlers for headaches are:
- Stress: If a child is going through a big change, increased tension and fighting in the home, or overstimulated, they might have headaches due to anxiety. It is important to remember that even though they are little they understand that something "isn't right" and that will cause them to get headaches from the situation. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Stress and anxiety — perhaps triggered by problems with peers, teachers or parents — can play a role in children's headaches. Children with depression may complain of headaches, particularly if they have trouble recognizing feelings of sadness and loneliness." They continue, "Stress and busy schedules may increase the frequency of headaches. Be alert for things that may cause stress in your child's life, such as difficulty doing schoolwork or strained relationships with peers. If your child's headaches are linked to anxiety or depression, consider talking to a counselor."
- Dehydrated: Even if your child tell you that they are not thirsty it is important to encourage them to drink water. Proper hydration is essential to a healthy diet. Being dehydrated is likely to cause headaches.
- Poor Nutrition: Many toddlers get headaches if they are not eating healthy, or if they are skipping meals. It is important to encourage your child to eat healthy snacks and throughout the day. The Mayo Clinic says, "Nitrates — a food preservative found in cured meats, such as bacon, bologna and hot dogs — can trigger headaches, as can the food additive MSG. Also, too much caffeine — contained in soda, chocolates, coffees and teas — can cause headaches." They continue, "Behaviors that promote general good health also may help prevent headaches for your child. These lifestyle measures include getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, eating healthy meals and snacks, drinking four to eight glasses of water daily, and avoiding caffeine."
- Too much sun: Get your toddler to take a break from the sun. You can call them over and have them play inside, or let them watch a little show so that they are encouraged to get out of the heat.
- Poor vision: This is more applicable to older children but may pertain to your toddler as well. You may notice them squinting to see things far away and that might be giving them headaches. If they continue getting headaches it might be worth getting their vision checked.
- Illnesses: Like, adults, a headache might just be a sign of an illness. Common illnesses such as colds, flu, and ear and sinus infections are the most common.
If you are noticing that your toddler is having frequent headaches then you should start keeping a headache diary. According to the Mayo Clinic, "A diary can help you determine what causes your child's headaches. Note when the headaches start, how long they last, and what, if anything, provides relief. Record your child's response to taking any headache medication. Over time, the items you note in the headache diary should help you understand your child's symptoms so that you can take specific preventive measures." It is also important to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician to try to figure out the root cause of chronic headaches. It is vital that you, " Follow your doctor may recommend preventive medication if the headaches are severe, occur daily and interfere with your child's normal lifestyle. Certain medications taken at regular intervals — such as certain antidepressants or anti-seizure medications — may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches."
Most headaches aren't serious but seek prompt medical care if your child's headaches:
- Wake your child from sleep
- Worsen or become more frequent
- Change your child's personality
- Follow an injury, such as a blow to the head
- Feature persistent vomiting or visual changes
- Are accompanied by fever and neck pain or stiffness
It can be quite a stressful thing if your toddler is having a headache because all you want to do is bring them some relief. Don't worry, your toddler's headache is probably nothing and they will most likely sleep it off!