HEADACHE Symptom Definition Pain or discomfort of the scalp or forehead areas. The face and ears are excluded. Causes Most headaches are part of a viral illness, especially with colds. Most brief headaches are due to excessive heat, sunlight, exertion or hunger. The most common cause of recurrent headaches are muscle tension headaches. See More Appropriate Topic(instead of this one) If Followed a head injury within last 3 days, see HEAD INJURY. Pain is around the eye or the cheekbone, see SINUS PAIN AND CONGESTION.   WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR HEADACHE Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If Difficult to awaken or passed out. Confused thinking (delirium) or slurred speech. Blurred or double vision. Weakness of arm or leg or unsteady walking. Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If Your child looks or acts very sick Stiff neck (can’t touch chin to chest) Severe headache Vomiting Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If You think your child needs to be seen Fever Sinus pain or pressure of forehead Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns Sore throat present > 24 hours Headache present for more than 3 days Headaches are a recurrent ongoing problem Parent Care at Home If Mild headache and you don't think your child needs to be seen. Back to Top HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD HEADACHE Pain Medicine:  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief (see Dosage table). Headaches due to fever are also helped by fever reduction. Food:  Give fruit juice or food if your child is hungry or hasn't eaten in more than 4 hours (reason: skipping a meal can cause a headache in many children). Rest:  Lie down in a quiet place and relax until feeling better. Local Cold:  Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack to the forehead for 20 minutes. Stretching:  Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles. Migraine Headaches Diagnosed in the Past: If your child's doctor has prescribed a specific medication for migraine, give it as directed as soon as the migraine starts. If not, ibuprofen is the best OTC drug for migraine. Give ibuprofen now and repeat in 6 hours if needed (See Dosage Table). Also, have your child lie down in a dark, quiet place and try to fall asleep. People with migraine often awaken from sleep with their migraine gone Call Your Doctor If: Headache lasts for more than 3 days despite using a pain medicine Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP Reviewed 8/2005 Revised 8/2005 See Other Topics: Sinus Pain and Congestion View Index of Topics