Associated symptoms
Headaches often occur together with accompanying symptoms. In the case of mild headaches, these are mainly general fatigue and increased sensitivity to noise. If the headaches become more severe, nausea and vomiting can also occur, as is the case with migraines.
In addition, sensitivity to light (photophobia) is not uncommon. If the migraine is very severe, it can even lead to clouding of consciousness, loss of sensitivity and visual and hearing disorders in children. However, these disappear as soon as the migraine attack comes to an end.
Headache in the child with fever
As a result of a feverish infection, it can often lead to so-called accompanying headaches, which are also subject to the fluctuations of the fever curve. If, in addition to severe headaches and high fever, a stiff neck occurs that goes beyond normal pain in the limbs, meningitis must be ruled out quickly, as in cases of doubt early diagnosis is essential.
Headache in the child with vomiting
There are many causes that can cause headaches, vomiting and nausea. In addition to bacterial and viral infections, this can be the case, for example, with migraine, which usually occurs on one side of the head. In addition, irritation of the meninges due to intense sunlight (sunstroke) can also be accompanied by severe headaches, fatigue and vomiting. Even after a concussion as a result of a fall or a blow, strong headaches and vomiting usually occur. In this case, further diagnostics should be carried out in the hospital so that cerebral haemorrhages or other injuries can be ruled out.
Headache in the child with abdominal pain
A migraine can present itself in many different ways. Many people are unaware that abdominal migraine also exists – a form of migraine that often presents itself as abdominal pain in children. The seizure-like symptoms can last from a few hours to several days.Accompanying symptoms are often nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps or headaches.
Often the affected persons are pale. Again, it is important that a comprehensive diagnosis is made, as abdominal migraine is a finding that can only be made once other organic causes have been ruled out. Then painkillers and a change in migraine-triggering habits can be administered accordingly.
Furthermore, it must be considered that children often cannot yet articulate their stress adequately. In some cases, headaches and abdominal pain are an expression of overload or excessive demands. If you suspect that this could be true for your child, and also generally during the medical examination, a psychosomatic consultation would certainly be recommended.
