What Are the Causes of Daily Headaches in Children?

It's difficult when children have headaches, especially when they become a common occurrence. Chronic headaches happen 15 or more days of each month for at least three months, according to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. If your child suffers from headaches, even if not this frequently, consult the child's doctor right away.

Secondary Headaches

• Other health problems can cause headaches, so both can be cured or alleviated when the primary problem is treated. The cause might be a sinus infection, allergies, cold, other infection or brain injury.

Stress

• Emotional issues can cause secondary headaches. These include stress, tension and worries over home and school. Children might benefit from seeing a medical doctor and then a counselor if an emotional issue needs attention.

Medication Overuse

• If an adult or child takes acetaminophen (Tylenol) or another headache medicine daily, the body develops headaches that will go away only after 4 to 6 weeks off the medicine. Children can get a headache from too much caffeine, and they can get a withdrawal headache when they stop drinking it. Either way, they need to cut back caffeine intake to stop the headaches.

Vitamins

• Vitamin deficiency can cause headaches. Feed children a balanced diet and provide a daily, chewable vitamin for their age and weight. Ask the child's doctor about blood tests to check vitamin and iron levels.

Dehydration

• Dehydration can cause headaches but should be easily cured by providing more fluids. Soda or other sugary drinks may cause dehydration due to the sugar, caffeine and salt content.

Migraines

• There are many theories about the cause of these severe headaches. Migraines require medical attention because medications can help. Symptoms include a throbbing head, nausea and sensitivity to light and sounds.