Children & Headaches: Headaches In Children Are Common, Sadly

Headaches in children are a common problem. Just like adults, kids can have tension headaches, migraines, and sinus headaches. About 10% of children suffer from migraines, although most of these kids will outgrow them. It is estimated that around fifty percent of child migraineurs stop having the headaches once they reach puberty, and another twenty-five percent will stop having them by the time they are adults. If you are worried about children and headaches, there are many simple lifestyle changes that can decrease the severity and frequency of headaches.

How to Know If Your Child Truly Has a Headache

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what is really ailing your child. You should learn to recognize the signals of children headaches so you can help. These may be some of the signs that your child has a headache, even if she doesn't tell you about them:

She falls asleep at irregular times.
She sits quietly on the couch or in bed with no interest in watching television.
She seems tired and lethargic.
Noise and light seem to bother her.
She does not want to move around or play as much as usual.
She may be nauseated or complain of stomach cramps.

How to Treat Children With Headaches

Of course you are worried about your child's headaches, but don't rush into buying medication for them. Oftentimes children headaches are effectively treated with a few simple lifestyle changes. The best cure is prevention. It is important for your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This often decreases the frequency and intensity of headaches in children.

Make sure she eats nutritious meals at regular intervals. Skipping meals is a common cause of headaches in adults and children alike. You should be sure that he avoids foods that contain ingredients which trigger headaches, like caffeine and aspartame. There are also a lot of all-natural dietary supplements that aid in the treatment of children headaches.

She must drink plenty of water, at least four to eight glasses every day. Dehydration is a major trigger of headaches. You should reduce – or better yet, totally eliminate – her caffeine intake. When she does have a headache, try giving her sports drinks; they may help with the pain by maintaining normal levels of sodium and sugar.

Minimize stress in his life. Many researchers believe that stress is the number one most common cause of headaches in Americans. Your child should avoid situations that are potentially upsetting. Her schedule should not be overcrowded or stressful.

Make sure she is getting restful sleep on a regular basis. Most children need about eight to ten hours of sleep per night; adolescents often need more. It is essential that she maintain a routine sleep schedule so thats he gets the maximum benefit from her body's natural circadian rhythm. Fatigue and exhaustion are major triggers for headaches in children.