Health Resources

Headache

Symptom Definition

• Pain or discomfort of the scalp or forehead areas
• The face and ears are excluded
• Main cause: muscle tension headache or headache from fever

See More Appropriate Topic

• If followed a head injury within last 3 days, see HEAD TRAUMA 
• If pain is around the eye or the cheekbone, see SINUS PAIN AND CONGESTION 

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

• Difficult to awaken

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Confused thinking or slurred speech
• Blurred or double vision
• Weakness or unsteady walking
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache with fever or vomiting

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Sore throat present > 24 hours
• Sinus pain or pressure of forehead

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Headache present > 24 hours
• Headaches are a recurrent problem

Parent Care at Home

• Mild headache and you don’t think your child needs to be seen

Home Care Advice for Mild Headaches

1. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. (See Dosage table)
   Headaches due to fever are also helped by fever reduction.
2. Food: Give fruit juice or food if your child is hungry or hasn't eaten in > 4 hours.
   (Reason: skipping a meal can cause a headache in many children).
3. Rest: Lie down in a quiet place and relax until feeling better.
4. Local Cold: Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack to the forehead for 20 minutes.
5. Stretching: Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles.
6. Call Your Doctor If
   • Headache lasts > 24 hours despite using a pain medicine
   • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms

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