Is it normal for my child to constantly have headaches?
December 15, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by David Schmitt
Dear Doctor,
My name is Martina Büchner and I am concerned about my child. My son Tim, 8 years old, has been suffering from regular headaches for some time. I have noticed that he complains of pain almost daily, especially after school or after physical exertion. I am worried that there could be something serious behind it.
Tim is an active child and has always been healthy. He eats balanced meals, gets enough sleep, and regularly exercises. There are no obvious reasons for the frequent headaches. I have already tried to review his daily routine and identify any possible triggers, but I could not find a clear cause.
I wonder if it is normal for a child of his age to suffer from headaches so frequently. Should I be seriously concerned? Are there possible causes that I have overlooked? What measures can I take to alleviate or prevent my son's headaches? Should I see a doctor and if so, what examinations would be advisable?
Thank you in advance for your help and expertise.
Sincerely,
Martina Büchner
Dear Mrs. Büchner,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I understand your concern about your son Tim, who regularly suffers from headaches. Headaches in children can have various causes and it is important to take them seriously and treat them accordingly.
First of all, I want to assure you that it is not unusual for children of Tim's age to occasionally experience headaches. There are many possible reasons for this, from stress to lack of sleep to dehydration. However, it is important to be attentive, especially if the headaches occur frequently or worsen.
Since Tim is otherwise healthy and leads a healthy lifestyle, it is possible that the headaches are caused by external factors such as stress or overexertion. It is good that you have already reviewed his daily routine to identify possible triggers. However, if you cannot find a clear cause and the headaches persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
During a doctor's visit, various examinations can be conducted to determine the cause of the headaches. These may include a physical examination, a medical history (questioning about symptoms and medical history), and possibly further tests such as blood tests or imaging procedures. This way, the doctor can determine whether the headaches have organic causes or are rather stress-related.
In the meantime, there are some measures you can take to alleviate or prevent your son's headaches. These include getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate fluid intake, and stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises or yoga. It may also be helpful to keep a headache diary to identify possible triggers.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to see a doctor if your son's headaches persist or worsen. I wish you and your son all the best and hope that the headaches can be relieved soon.
Sincerely,
David Schmitt
