The best cure for a child complaining of a headache is usually a cuddle and a kiss, and soon all is forgotten.
Of course, if the pain persists it can be a sign of all sorts of things from dehydration to flu. Just about the last thing it’s ever going to be is a deadly brain tumour, but, tragically, that was exactly what led to the death of 16-year-old Natasha Simmonds in January this year.
Doctors had repeatedly mistaken it for something far less grave.
This kind of situation is a parent’s worst nightmare. Natasha was suffering from a very rare form of cancer but children with headaches are not an unusual scenario in my clinic. The question is, when to worry?
How can you tell a serious headache from one that isn’t in a child?
Alarm bells should ring if headaches are repeated, frequent and getting worse.
The distinction between a brain tumour headache and a simple one can be subtle, and distinguishing them can involve looking at other symptoms; tumours may cause changes in mood, vision and balance.
Ultimately, any headache that concerns a parent warrants a trip to the doctor.
But how can I make sure I am not fobbed off?
It is a difficult situation for a doctor as brain tumours are rare, and the only definitive way to diagnose one is with an MRI. It would not be fair to do an MRI on every teenager who presents with migraine, as migraines occur in up to five per cent of youngsters. Doctors therefore have to triage – decide how serious something is and how quickly it needs treatment.
What are the most likely causes of headaches in children and teenagers?
The common reasons are not drinking enough liquids, leading to dehydration, or skipping a meal, which leads to blood-sugar levels dipping. Like adults, children will also get headaches in response to stress or anxiety at school or at home.
What is the best way to manage migraines in teenagers?
Resting in a dark, quiet room and sleeping can hasten recovery. The gut slows down during an attack, so the faster medicine is taken the better. Simple painkillers can work well and once children are over ten they can take specific migraine medication such as Migraleve. Keeping a migraine diary can help identify triggers such as certain foods that may need to be avoided in future.
source: Mail Online
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