WHAT IS A HEADACHE?
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (recurrent). “For a child with an acute headache, you want to make sure there are no other problems that need to be addressed, such as an infection,” says Fernandez. If a child has chronic headaches, but their neurological (nervous system) exams are normal, migraines may be the problem.
MORE ABOUT MIGRAINES
Although there are no blood tests to determine if a child has a migraine, family history usually helps physicians pinpoint the diagnosis. Migraines can be brought on by food triggers, such as chocolate, cheeses and foods with preservatives such as nitrates. Nitrates can be found in favorite childhood foods including hot dogs and bologna, says Fernandez. Environmental elements including glare and sun exposure can also set them in motion. So how can you tell if your child has a migraine? Pay attention to these common symptoms:
PAIN RELIEVERS
Responding quickly is key to treating headaches and migraines. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen should be taken right away. “If you wait too long, nothing is going to help,” says Dr. Fernandez. Letting your child rest in a dark room or applying cold compresses are other ways parents can help ease the pain.
How can children practice proper headache hygiene?
Establishing good habits can help keep headaches at bay. These headache hygiene measures can help:
FAST FACTS
Dr. Amanda Fernandez completed her pediatric residency at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY and her fellowship in Pediatric Neurology at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society and the Child Neurology Society.
Dr. Fernandez’s philosophy of care: “My philosophy is family-centered; looking at the child’s whole picture of health. It’s not just treating the pain or headache, but understanding the other psycho-social reasons for their pain.”
EDUCATION
University of the East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Philippines
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Pediatrics and Child Neurology
Headaches usually are brief and can be caused by many things, including too little sleep, eye strain, stress, sinus infections, or a bump to the head. Some headaches last longer and come with other symptoms. It’s important to understand how to recognize when a headache is just a passing pain and when it’s something more and requires medical attention.
In this video from American Health Journal, Dr. Mary Zupanc talks about signs and symptoms of headaches in children, what to look out for, and ways to prevent headaches from occurring. For more information, go to https://www.choc.org/wp
Headaches are thought to be caused by changes in chemicals, nerves, or blood vessels in the brain area. These changes send pain messages to the brain and bring on a headache.
Want to know more about how the brain works? Check out this interactive guide to the brain and nervous system.
Kids and Sleep
Sleep is an essential part of your growing child’s health. When it comes to making sure your children are getting the proper amount of Z’s, there are some guidelines you can follow.
Kids and Dehydration
When temperatures heat up, the risk of children becoming dehydrated intensifies. “Dehydration occurs when an athlete has less body fluid than they need,” says Dr. Chris Koutures.
CHOC Mission: World Class Children’s Care
CHOC Mission, housed on the fifth floor of Mission Hospital, CHOC’s world-class team treats everything from asthma attacks to injuries resulting from serious accidents.
