Headaches in Children
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Children get headaches, too.
Types
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Physicians divide children's headaches, as well as adults' headaches, into two types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches include migraines and tension headaches.
Tension Headaches
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Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, feel like tight pressure around the head without nausea. These headaches occur around stress-related events.
Migraines
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Migraine symptoms for children include throbbing pain on both sides of the head, nausea and stomach pain.
Secondary Headaches
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Secondary headaches refer to headaches caused by another condition. Common culprits include infections and medication side effects.
Treatment
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The Mayo Clinic suggests giving your child an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Treat your child's headache at the first sign.
Warning
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Avoid giving children and teenagers aspirin, as aspirin may contribute to the development of a rare but potentially fatal disease called Reye's syndrome.
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