In very rare instances, headache may be due to more severe infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis. If serious infection is suspected, the child must be brought to a doctor promptly. A short-lasting headache after a bump to the head is common in children. If there is any doubt about the condition of a child after a head injury, call a doctor or go to the emergency room right away. If the child was unconscious, does not remember the fall or bump, is nauseated or throwing up, is acting irritable or confused, is dizzy or has trouble seeing, or has a headache serious enough to interfere with sleep or play, see a doctor immediately.
Some children have chronic or recurrent headaches .
Parents might worry that long-lasting headaches in children or repeated headaches might be caused by a brain tumor. This is very uncommon. Actually, headaches that children and adolescents get repeatedly are usually migraine headaches or tension headaches. The child has headache pain that is throbbing or pounding. The child has headache pain that is worse on one side of the head, or pain that is on both sides of the head in the forehead area.