While a sudden, severe headache may suggest a serious problem within the head or central nervous system and require prompt attention, headaches most often are a symptom of another medical or emotional problem. Your child may be feeling stress and tension, he may have a cold, the flu, or strep throat. Sometimes fevers and headaches occur at the same time, so be sure to check his temperature when he complains of headache. Migraine headaches can begin in childhood. These headaches also usually cause nausea, vomiting or visual disturbances.
Migraines tend to run in families.
Unmanaged stress can cause muscle tightness, which can contribute to headaches, leg pain, stomachaches and other discomfort. Help your child learn to recognize stress in his body. Exercise is one the best ways to control stress. A physically active child is less likely to experience stress-related symptoms. Discuss the possible causes of your child's headaches with his pediatrician.